The Ballon d’Or trophy will be awarded tonight (Image: Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
As the chill of winter begins to bite, football’s biggest stars will be putting on their tuxedos and dresses for the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Tonight, one of 30 nominees will be awarded the prestigious individual accolade.
England are well represented with Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden among the 30 contenders. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior is tipped as the favourite to claim the prize for the first time in his career, but Manchester City’s Rodri and Bellingham are expected to give him a run for his money.
This year marks the 68th edition of the award ceremony, which was first given to Stanley Matthews in 1956. Express Sport guides you through the ceremony and how you can tune in.
When is the Ballon d’Or 2024?
The ceremony will take place tonight at 7:45pm GMT at the Theatre du Chatelet, in Paris.
What TV channel is Ballon d’Or 2024 on in the UK?
UK viewers can watch the ceremony online. French broadcaster L’Equipe will be streaming the event on their YouTube page for free.
Who are the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees?
- Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)
- Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)
- Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)
- Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)
- Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)
- Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)
- Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
- Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)
- Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)
- Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)
- Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)
- Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )
- Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)
Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are two of the favourites (Image: Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
- Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)
- Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)
- Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)
- Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)
- Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)
- Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)
- Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)
- William Saliba (France, Arsenal)
- Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)
- Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)
- Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)
- Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)
- Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)
- Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
Who is expected to win the Ballon d’Or 2024?
Vinicius is edging closer to becoming the first Brazilian recipient of the prestigious Ballon d’Or award since Kaka’s triumph in 2007. He enjoyed a sensational season with Real Madrid which saw him win La Liga and net a crucial goal in the Champions League final win against Borussia Dortmund.
Chasing closely are Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri and Vincius’ team-mate Bellingham. Ladbrokes’ Alex Apati said: “Vinicius Junior was always going to be the one to beat in the race for this year’s Ballon d’Or, but the odds would suggest his name is already on the trophy.”
What other awards are being given out at Ballon d’Or 2024?
There will be more accolades up for grabs. The Feminin Ballon d’Or award will be handed out, with last year’s winner Aitana Bonmati from Spain and Barcelona tipped for back-to-back glory.
The youthful talents won’t be left out as the Kopa Trophy awaits the best men’s under-21 player.
Additionally, the evening will honour the top goalkeeper with the Yashin trophy. The best men’s and women’s coaches of the year will also be awarded in the French capital.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1968251/ballon-dor-vinicius-junior-jude-bellingham-rodri