Ballon d'Or 2024 Winners: Full List
The Ballon d'Or ceremony is arguably the most prestigious award in football, recognizing the best players in the world. The 2024 ceremony was filled with anticipation and excitement as the world's footballing elite gathered to celebrate the year's outstanding performances. Let's dive into the full list of winners and highlight the key moments of the ceremony:
Men's Ballon d'Or
Winner: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
Lionel Messi continued his reign as the king of football, securing his eighth Ballon d'Or title. His exceptional performance with Inter Miami CF, leading the team to the Leagues Cup title, solidified his claim to the coveted award. His remarkable goal-scoring prowess and mesmerizing dribbling skills were key factors in his triumph.
Other Notable Nominees:
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The prolific Norwegian striker finished as the runner-up, narrowly missing out on the top prize. His incredible goalscoring form for Manchester City made him a strong contender.
- Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): The French star's exceptional performances for both club and country, including leading France to the UEFA Nations League title, placed him firmly among the top contenders.
Women's Ballon d'Or
Winner: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
Aitana Bonmati, the Barcelona midfield maestro, etched her name in football history by becoming the first Spanish player to win the Women's Ballon d'Or. Her dominance in midfield, coupled with her creative playmaking and tactical intelligence, were key to Barcelona's successful season.
Other Notable Nominees:
- Jenni Hermoso (Pachuca): The Spanish striker, known for her clinical finishing and goal-scoring prowess, was a deserving contender for the prestigious award.
- Sam Kerr (Chelsea): The Australian striker's exceptional performances for Chelsea, including leading the team to the WSL title, made her a strong candidate for the award.
Other Awards:
Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
The young English midfielder continued his meteoric rise, winning the prestigious Kopa Trophy. His impact at Real Madrid, his impressive performances for England, and his unwavering maturity earned him widespread acclaim.
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
The Brazilian goalkeeper, known for his incredible saves and commanding presence, secured the Yashin Trophy for the second consecutive year. His crucial contributions to Liverpool's success made him a deserving winner.
The Ballon d'Or ceremony once again highlighted the exceptional talents within the world of football. It served as a platform to celebrate individual brilliance, teamwork, and the enduring passion for the beautiful game. With the 2024 edition concluding, football fans eagerly await the next chapter and the exciting new talent that will emerge in the world of football.