When the 68th Ballon d’Or is awarded this evening at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the exquisite event will almost have a historical touch. For the first time in 21 years, neither world champion Lionel Messi nor his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo are on the list of 30 nominated football stars. If Messi was able to secure the Golden Ball for the eighth time in 2023 after a strong World Cup in Qatar, the 37-year-old will be missing this time. His appearances in the USA for Inter Miami, like the goals of the two-year-old CR7 in Saudi Arabia at Al-Nassr, are no longer of great sporting relevance.
This means that a new name will definitely emerge as a winner in the elite list. Luka Modric (2018) and Karim Benzema (2022), who were the only ones able to get in the way of the two world football stars in the last 15 editions, are also not nominated.
This time Vinicius Jr. from Champions League winner Real Madrid has the greatest chances. With four goals in the knockout games in the premier class, including the opening goal in the final against Borussia Dortmund, the Brazilian played a decisive role in the Royals’ 15th triumph. Other candidates also wear the Real dress: the ex-Dortmunder Jude Bellingham, who was voted player of the season in Spain, or the currently injured European champion Dani Carvajal. Rodri from Manchester City, who was named the best European Championship player and led his club to their fourth championship in a row, is also an option.
Four Germans on the list
And the Germans? Toni Kroos is also likely to achieve a top ranking after the end of his successful career with six Champions League victories. Young star Florian Wirtz, Real defender Antonio Rüdiger and ex-BVB defense chief Mats Hummels are also among the 30 chosen. The fact that Jamal Musiala was not taken into account caused anger at FC Bayern.
A player from the Champions League winners FC Barcelona is likely to be celebrating among the women. Salma Paralluelo, Caroline Graham Hansen and Aitana Bonmatí are considered to have the best chances. From a German perspective, Giulia Gwinn and Lea Schüller from FC Bayern and Sjoeke Nüsken from FC Chelsea are nominated.
Alonso with the coaches
Successful coach Xabi Alonso from double winner Bayer Leverkusen can have hopes for the Coach of the Year award. He will compete against, among others, Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola from English champions Manchester City and Spain’s European champion Luis de la Fuente.
The Ballon d’Or has been awarded annually since 1956 by the specialist magazine “France Football”, which belongs to the French media group Groupe Amaury. UEFA has been co-organizing the prestigious award since this year. The Ballon d’Or is not a replacement for the world footballer’s election. This election will continue to be organized by the world association FIFA. From 2010 to 2015, the world footballer was awarded the Golden Ball through a cooperation between FIFA and “France Football”.
