Ballon d'Or 2024: All Award Winners Announced
The annual ceremony recognizing the best players and coaches in world football, the Ballon d'Or, concluded its 2024 edition in a dazzling event held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This year's awards saw a mix of familiar faces and exciting newcomers, showcasing the dynamic evolution of the global game. Let's dive into the complete list of winners across all categories:
Men's Ballon d'Or:
Erling Haaland emerged as the coveted winner of the prestigious Ballon d'Or, capturing the award in a stunning display of dominance throughout the 2023-24 season. The Norwegian striker led Manchester City to an unprecedented treble, scoring an astonishing 52 goals across all competitions. His unparalleled goal-scoring prowess and ability to spearhead a devastating attacking force cemented his position as the world's most feared striker.
Runner-ups:
- Lionel Messi: The Argentine maestro, despite his move to Inter Miami, continued to inspire with his exceptional talent and charisma, securing a second-place finish.
- Kevin De Bruyne: The Belgian playmaker orchestrated Manchester City's triumphs, demonstrating his unparalleled vision and creativity, earning him a third-place spot.
Women's Ballon d'Or:
Alexia Putellas successfully defended her title, securing her second consecutive Ballon d'Or. The Spanish midfielder shone for Barcelona, guiding them to another domestic league and cup double. Putellas's technical brilliance, leadership, and ability to dictate the tempo earned her widespread acclaim.
Runner-ups:
- Sam Kerr: The Australian striker continued her dominance for Chelsea, finishing as the runner-up with her consistent goal-scoring exploits.
- Aitana Bonmati: The young Spanish midfielder impressed with her energetic performances for both Barcelona and Spain, securing a top-three finish.
Yashin Trophy:
The prestigious Yashin Trophy, recognizing the world's best goalkeeper, went to Alisson Becker, the Brazilian shot-stopper for Liverpool. Alisson's exceptional shot-stopping abilities and leadership earned him the honor, solidifying his position as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Runner-ups:
- Thibaut Courtois: The Belgian goalkeeper, who led Real Madrid to Champions League glory, finished as the runner-up.
- Ederson Moraes: The Brazilian goalkeeper, playing for Manchester City, secured a third-place finish.
Kopa Trophy:
The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player under the age of 21, went to Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder, playing for Real Madrid, made an immediate impact in Spain, showcasing his maturity, vision, and goal-scoring abilities.
Runner-ups:
- Gavi: The Spanish midfielder continued his impressive development for Barcelona, earning a second-place finish.
- Eduardo Camavinga: The young French midfielder continued to excel for Real Madrid, securing a third-place spot.
Gerd Müller Trophy:
The Gerd Müller Trophy, awarded to the top goalscorer in the world, was bestowed upon Erling Haaland. His staggering goal-scoring tally throughout the season solidified his claim to the award, showcasing his phenomenal ability to find the back of the net.
Other Awards:
- Club of the Year: Manchester City, the English giants, were crowned the Club of the Year, acknowledging their unprecedented treble-winning season.
- Dream Team: The annual Dream Team award celebrated iconic players from the past, recognizing their impact on the beautiful game.
The Ballon d'Or 2024 ceremony served as a testament to the incredible talent and diversity within the world of football. With exciting new faces and established legends showcasing their brilliance, the future of the game appears bright and filled with promise.