There is no more Messi or Ronaldo! Ballon d'Or contenders are all new names
2024-09-04 14:01:36
TiranaPost
For almost 15 years, they dominated the world football scene and that of the "Golden Ball" ceremonies. But now a new era has started with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have opened their arms to other stars of the present and future.
Both the Argentinian and the Portuguese striker are outside the short list of candidates to win the "Golden Ball 2024".
Winner of "Euro 2024" with Spain, the title of champion in England, the Club World Cup and the European Super Cup, author of 12 goals and 5 assists, Rodri is seen among the main contenders.
But the Spanish midfielder's challenge is expected to be strong with some of the other scorers and winners. Vinicus Junior and Jude Bellingham won almost everything with Real Madrid, the Champions League, La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.
The same discussion applies to Erling Haaland and Lautaro Martinez. For the Norwegian striker, 45 goals and 6 assists for the Premier League title, the Club World Cup and the European Super Cup with Manchester City. On the other hand, Lautaro Martinez scored 35 goals and 8 assists for the Italian Supercup title with Inter as well as the America's Cup with the Argentine national team.
The extended list of the last 30 finalists for the "Golden Ball" is completed with other great football names, such as Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal or Phil Foden.
Everything will be revealed on October 28 at the ceremony that will take place in Paris, while once again the coaches and captains of the national teams, as well as 100 sports journalists from around the world, accredited by "France Football" will vote.
