Sports

2024 Ballon d’Or: All You Need To Know

Published

2 years ago

October 8, 2024

The 2024 Ballon d’Or is fast approaching, with football’s brightest talents competing for the sport’s most prestigious individual accolade.

This year’s competition is particularly open, as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have dominated the award for over a decade, are absent from the shortlist.

Messi, a record eight-time winner, and Ronaldo, with five wins, have not made the cut, setting the stage for a new name to claim the prize.

The PUNCH highlights all you need to know about this year’s ceremony.

When and Where Is the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony?

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday, 28th October, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The ceremony will mark the 68th edition of the award, with France Football continuing to manage the voting system alongside UEFA’s co-organisation this year.

Football fans can tune in to the live broadcast of the ceremony, which will begin at 19:00 GMT, and catch all the action as the winner is revealed.

The Favourites for the 2024 Ballon d’Or

This year’s Ballon d’Or race promises fierce competition. Vinicius Junior has emerged as the current frontrunner. The Brazilian forward was instrumental in Real Madrid’s success last season, including their Champions League victory. With his impressive performances, he has positioned himself as a strong candidate for the men’s award.

Another top contender is Rodri, who played a key role in Manchester City’s Premier League triumph and was named Player of the Tournament in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory. He joins the shortlist alongside his Real Madrid counterpart, Jude Bellingham, who also made a strong case for the award with consistent displays in midfield.

Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal is considered an outside chance, with the right-back playing a vital role in winning the Champions League, La Liga, and Euro 2024. While his victory might be a surprise, his achievements have earned him a spot among the nominees.

Who Will Win the Ballon d’Or Féminin 2024?

In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmatí is heavily favoured to secure back-to-back wins for the Ballon d’Or Féminin. The Barcelona midfielder is considered the top candidate, building on her club and international success. Close behind her in the race are Caroline Graham Hansen, Bonmatí’s teammate at Barcelona, and Kadidiatou Diani of Lyon.

Kopa Trophy: Youth Stars in the Spotlight

The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21, will also be presented during the ceremony. Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is widely expected to take home this honour, following his standout performances that helped Spain secure victory in the European Championship.

Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, both of Manchester United, are also among the 10-player shortlist for the youth award, but it would be a major upset if Yamal were not to win.

Yashin Trophy: Best Goalkeeper Award

The 2024 Yashin Trophy will recognise the world’s top goalkeeper, with Emiliano Martínez among the favourites. The Aston Villa shot-stopper is in the running for successive wins, having helped his club achieve Champions League qualification and contributed to Argentina’s Copa América triumph this summer.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, another former winner, is also on the shortlist, though there is no place for Alisson or Thibaut Courtois this time around.

How to Watch the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
Fans eager to watch the drama unfold can catch the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony live on L’Équipe’s YouTube channel, which will stream the event for free.

Sports

Messi Opens Up On Relationship With Cristiano Ronaldo

Published

6 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Barcelona and Argentina legend, Lionel Messi, has opened up on his relationship and long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo following years of intense competition between the two football icons.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo faced off at the pinnacle of football for many years.

Fans watched with bated breath as “La Pulga” and CR7 consistently tried to outdo one another.

In a recent interview on Argentine television, Messi reflected on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi and Ronaldo encountered each other more frequently as adversaries during their tenures at Barcelona and Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018.

“What transpired was a remarkable sporting rivalry,” Messi told Polloalvarezok.

“It is a natural occurrence in football. I was with Barcelona while he was with Real Madrid, and we were competing for everything, both as a team and individually, which led to constant comparisons between us.

“However, our relationship was always positive and respectful, and everything that unfolded was strictly athletic. There was nothing personal.

“We did not often meet outside matches or award ceremonies, and we maintained a cordial relationship.

“Now we find ourselves in different phases of our lives, but what transpired was indeed a remarkable sporting rivalry.”

Sports

LaLiga: Real Madrid Open Negotiations With Mourinho Amid Fights In Dressing Room

Published

6 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Real Madrid have established direct contact with Benfica manager, Jose Mourinho, as they seek to bring the Portuguese back to the club.

President Florentino Perez is keen to appoint Mourinho ahead of next season.

Perez will however have to pay a fee to release the former Manchester United and Chelsea boss from his current contract.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Friday: “Real Madrid have started José Mourinho operation with direct contacts now taking place.

“Benfica want Mou to stay at all costs but aware of Real talks ongoing; it depends on Madrid.

“Up to Florentino Pérez: he will decide if Mourinho returns or not.”

This comes in a week when the tensions within the Madrid dressing room became public.

Captain Federico Valverde had to be taken to hospital after clashing with Aurelien Tchouameni in training.

Days before then, Antonio Rudiger reportedly slapped Alvaro Carreras and was forced to apologize.

It is also rumoured that certain players openly mock interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

Sports

Turkey: Galatasaray Give Condition To Sell Victor Osimhen

Published

6 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Galatasaray board member, Bora Bahçetepe, has insisted that the club will sell their star striker Victor Osimhen if they receive an offer of 150-200 million euros.

Bahçetepe stated this on the HT Spor broadcast while fielding questions about Osimhen’s future amid reports linking the Nigerian international with a move away from Galatasaray in the summer transfer window.

Galatasaray has many players, including Osimhen, whose future is uncertain at the end of the season.

“Victor Osimhen is the best striker in Europe,” Bahçetepe said.

“We won’t sell him unless we receive an offer of 150-200 million euros,” he said.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Serie A side Napoli on a permanent transfer in 2025.