Soccer: who are the nominees for the Ballon d'Or 2024?

The nominees for the 68th edition of the Ballon d'Or have finally been announced! The trophy, which rewards the best footballer of the year, will be awarded in Paris on October 28, 2024. Who will succeed Lionel Messi?

It's the most eagerly awaited event in the world of soccer every year: the one that rewards the world's best footballers. This year's Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on Monday, October 28, 2024 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The year 2023 saw Lionel Messi rewarded for the umpteenth and final time, but this year he has left the list of nominees, making way for a number of up-and-coming young players.

At the time of this 68th edition, many renowned players have left their leagues for Saudi Arabia, Qatar or the USA, and are no longer part of world soccer's elite. While Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are not among the favorites, some media believe that the title will be decided this year between Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Rodri, although Dani Carvajal and Lamine Yamal also seem to have a chance.

On the French side, only William Saliba and Kylian Mbappé remain among the nominees, and on the PSG and French club side, only Vitinha saves the day. On the women's side, Grace Geyoro and Marie-Antoinette Katoto also play for Paris-Saint-Germain. For the Trophée Kopa, which represents the best hopeful, it's our national Warren Zaïre-Emery who will represent France and Paris Saint-Germain.

Over the past two years, the rules for the Ballon d'Or have changed, with individual performance now the primary criterion, while career has disappeared.