Ballon d'Or 2024: Who’s in the Running and What It Means for Football

When you think of the Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual award in football, given annually to the world’s best player. Also known as the Golden Ball, it’s not just a trophy—it’s a legacy marker. The Ballon d'Or doesn’t care about trophies alone. It watches every pass, every goal, every moment when a player lifts a team on their back. In 2024, the race is wide open, but the names at the top aren’t random. They’re the ones who didn’t just play well—they changed the game.

Who’s in the mix? Lionel Messi, the Argentine icon who still defies age and logic. Even at 37, his vision and precision keep him in the conversation. Then there’s Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker who turned goals into a science. He didn’t just score—he broke records, and he did it while carrying Manchester City through a brutal schedule. And let’s not forget Karim Benzema, the French veteran who won it last time and still plays like he’s got something to prove. These aren’t just names. They’re the reason people still care about individual awards in a team sport.

The Ballon d’Or doesn’t just reward stats. It rewards influence. Who kept their team alive when everything fell apart? Who turned a shaky defense into a fortress? Who made a mediocre side look dangerous? The voters don’t just look at the Champions League. They watch the World Cup qualifiers, the domestic cups, the late-night comebacks nobody else noticed. That’s why players like Jude Bellingham and Rodri are in the mix too—they didn’t score the most goals, but they made the whole machine work.

And here’s the thing: the Ballon d’Or still matters because football is still about heroes. Not just teams. Not just tactics. One player, in one moment, can change everything. Whether it’s a last-minute free kick, a 60-yard run, or a calm penalty in a final, that’s what gets remembered. The 2024 award isn’t about who won the most titles—it’s about who made the most people believe.

Below, you’ll find real stories from the past year—the matches that defined careers, the moments that broke records, and the quiet performances that flew under the radar. These aren’t just news clips. They’re the building blocks of the next Ballon d’Or winner.