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No Messi or Ronaldo: A Historic Shift
The 68th edition of the Ballon d’Or has wrapped up, marking a significant moment in football history. For the first time in 21 years, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo has made the shortlist in the men’s category. The two legends have dominated the awards, sharing 13 of the past 16 titles, with Messi taking home eight and Ronaldo five.
First-Time Winner Guaranteed
This year’s ceremony guarantees a first-time winner, as notable players like Karim Benzema and Luka Modric were also absent from the 30-man shortlist. Among the top contenders were Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, who played pivotal roles in their club’s triumphs in the Champions League, LaLiga, and the Spanish Super Cup last season.
Rodri Takes the Crown
In a surprising turn of events, it was Manchester City’s Rodri who was named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. The ceremony itself was eventful, with Real Madrid opting to boycott the festivities, adding an unexpected twist to the evening.
Full Finishing Order Revealed
Here’s how the players ranked in the 2024 Ballon d’Or:
=29th – Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)
=29th – Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)
28th – Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)
27th – Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
26th – Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)
25th – Cole Palmer (England, Chelsea)
24th – William Saliba (France, Arsenal)
23rd – Ruben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)
22nd – Antonio Rudiger (Germany, Real Madrid)
21st – Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)
20th – Hakan Calhanoglu (Turkey, Inter)
19th – Martin Odegaard (Norway, Arsenal)
18th – Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)
17th – Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)
16th – Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)
15th – Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)
14th – Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)
13th – Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)
12th – Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)
11th – Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)
10th – Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)
9th – Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid/ now retired)
8th – Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
7th – Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, Inter Milan)
6th – Kylian Mbappe (France, PSG/ Real Madrid)
5th – Erling Haaland (Norway, Man City)
4th – Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)
3rd – Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
2nd – Vinicius Jr (Brazil, Real Madrid)
1st – Rodri (Spain, Man City)
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this year’s awards, the absence of Messi and Ronaldo signals a new chapter in football. The stage is set for fresh talent to emerge and redefine the landscape of the sport.
