Title: Shock names emerge as Ballon d’Or dark horses
The annual quest for the Ballon d’Or has traditionally centered around Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For over a decade, it was almost a guarantee that one of the pair would claim the most coveted individual prize in football. However, 2024 marks a significant change of pace.
Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr has left him outside of Europe, while Messi has decided to ply his trade in the Liga Argentina with Paris Saint-Germain. This shift away from traditional powerhouses could lead to some unexpected names surfacing among the top contenders for this year’s award.
Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Lautaro Martinez in the mix
For quite some time, we’ve seen Manchester City’s Rodri mentioned in whispers as a potential winner. And why not? After helping Pep Guardiola’s squad to a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title and aiding Spain to their historic European Championship success, Rodri would certainly warrant consideration.
Add Jude Bellingham’s mesmerizing campaign with Real Madrid and international prowess with the Three Lions. Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid have been among the strongest teams in the continent for quite some time, ensuring they both enjoy a strong case in their favor as well.
But could someone truly surprise the world of football fans? The dark horses have emerged, courtesy of L’Equipe in France!
Lautaro Martinez: The Copa America Hero
Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez has been an essential element of both his club, Inter, and his nation. The striker provided five crucial goals in six appearances, with a remarkable winner in the final game to decide the Copa America tournament.
When focusing on his club football, Martinez’ 24 goals, complemented by six assists, was pivotal for Inter as they triumphed in the Serie A division.
For the 28-year-old player, this impressive streak only underlines his abilities on both the domestic and global levels, significantly increasing his chances at capturing this year’s top award. Lautaro will definitely face stiff competition, given his numerous achievements.
There you have it, folks! Unbelievably, we’ve taken you on a journey to discover unexpected nominees within the Ballon d’Or arena. The time for you to choose will soon arrive. Before the vote arrives, we recommend our visitors check out the updates across all our social media platforms, featuring the latest transfer rumors and much more.