The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held this Monday, as the best male and female footballers in the world gather in Paris to find out who will be crowned the best of the year.
It’s the first time since 2003 that neither Lionel Messi, an eight-time winner, nor Cristiano Ronaldo, with five trophies, are on the nominee list.
With Karim Benzema and Luka Modric—the only other previous winners still active—also absent, a new winner in the men’s category is guaranteed.
In the women’s category, World Cup champion and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí seeks to claim the award for the second consecutive year.
The men’s award is decided by a jury of journalists from the 100 highest-ranked countries in FIFA’s men’s ranking.
The women’s award is chosen by a jury of journalists from the 50 highest-ranked countries in FIFA’s women’s ranking.
The BBC consults sports analysts to predict who will win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Who will win the Men’s Ballon d’Or?
Rodri is a strong candidate after helping Manchester City win their fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain to clinch the Euro Cup.
His teammate, Erling Haaland, is also in the running, as are Real Madrid players Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, notable for their La Liga and Champions League double.
