Ballon d'Or 2024

Ballon d'Or 2024: Where Are the GOATs?

The Ballon d'Or 2024 nominees are out, and it’s a fresh face affair without Ronaldo and Messi! Who will take home the Golden Ball?

The buzz surrounding the Ballon d'Or 2024 has hit fever pitch with the recent unveiling of the nominees, and oh boy, brace yourselves—it’s a whole new ball game! Notable names like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer are gracing the list, setting the stage for a fierce competition. But in a shocking twist that shocked fans, for the first time since 2003, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi made the cut! It’s as if we’ve stepped into a parallel universe where young stars are taking centre stage over the legendary duo.

The anticipation is building as we gear up for the awards ceremony set to light up the Théâtre du Châtelet on October 28. With players like Ademola Lookman from Atalanta strutting onto the scene, the nominees list feels like a refreshing shake-up. It’s not just about talent; this year, the spotlight shines brightly on the next generation of football stars. Can someone rise to claim the coveted Golden Ball or will the veterans somehow pull a rabbit out of the hat?

But don’t count out the big guns just yet. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are still in the running, proving that the golden age isn’t completely over. Even amid all the excitement buzz, Mo Salah is left out of the nominations, a fact that’s got fans scratching their heads. With 10 Premier League stars taking positions on the list, the stakes just got higher for this high-profile award. Who does the industry think deserves to win it? Four writers from The Athletic have weighed in, sharing their thoughts amid the chatter surrounding the shocking nominations.

So, as we inch closer to the grand event, one thing is clear—the Ballon d'Or is all about surprises this year. With young guns ready to snatch glory from the legends, it might just be time for a new football era to take its position on the throne. Football is fickle, and while the world mourns the absence of Messi and Ronaldo, we can relish the thought of fresh talent and thrilling potential. Additional fun fact: this year's Ballon d'Or nominations come at a time when the game is evolving faster than ever, with younger players making their mark on the field. And here's more—Bellingham, Foden, and Palmer have all emerged from England’s top clubs, proving that the future of football might just be bright red and white!