Ballon d’Or 2024: Ranking the top five favourites as of January 2024

Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or in 2023

The 2024 Ballon d’Or landscape offers an amazing display of footballing brilliance. A group of stars have emerged once again, demonstrating their abilities on the global stage, as we have reached the midway of the 2023-24 season in January. The top players at the moment are a mixed bag of young talent and experienced players who all bring something special to the game. 

The leading candidates represent talent, commitment and pure brilliance in whichever league they play. This competition for the greatest individual football award promises to be an exciting story that demonstrates the talent and unwavering enthusiasm that characterise the beautiful game. Let us take a good look at the top five favourites for the Ballon d’Or 2024 as of January 2024.

5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City/ Norway)

Erling Haaland is a talented football player despite his youth. This was pretty much evident since the last season when he became the runner-up in Ballon D’or 2023. His formidable build and predatory instincts in front of goal make him a nightmare for opposing defences.

He has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season even though he missed most of the matches in December due to injury. Haaland is positioned as a game-changing force in football because of his ability to consistently find the back of the net and his desire for victory. He is still the Premier League’s top scorer currently and his exceptional ability to score goals and adaptability in playing different ways highlight his potential to be the game’s dominant player for many years to come.

4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt)

Salah has had an undeniable influence at Liverpool. Defences are constantly tested by his quick acceleration and clinical finishing. He has scored 14 goals this season currently matching with Haaland. Salah’s ability to lead attacks and cut in from the wing are prime examples of his tactical flexibility on the field.

His commitment to the game, together with his talent at playmaking and scoring game-winning goals, has driven Liverpool to the top of the EPL table. At the pinnacle of football consistency and skill, Salah continues to be a key component of their attacking strategy by also being the top assist provider in the league.

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3. Kylian Mbappe (PSG/France)

Mbappe’s rise to football glory has been rapid. His lightning-fast pace and tactical awareness make him an existential threat for opposing teams. Mbappe’s influence on PSG and the French national team can be observed by his ability to finish well and move past opponents with ease.

The Frenchman has already scored 18 goals in the Ligue 1 and is miles ahead in the league’s top-scorer race. Beyond his ability to score goals, his talent at pivotal moments in tight games highlights his maturity and leadership traits, establishing him as a generational player headed for sustained success. Mbappe has already won Trophée des Champions with PSG this 2023-24 season in which he scored one of the goals as well.

2. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England)

Harry Kane’s impact goes beyond his ability to score goals. His natural ability to understand the game and his intellect on the pitch allow him to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. He is a complete striker because of his physical presence and accurate passing and shooting ability.

He is Bundesliga‘s top scorer with 21 goals along with 5 assists in just 15 games. He is regarded as a valued member of Bayern Munich and the English national team because of his leadership abilities and dedication. He is an example of dependability and flexibility on the world football stage as he has been formidable in the UCL 2023-24 competition as well with 4 goals and 3 assists till now.

1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)

We finally come to our top candidate for winning the Ballon d’Or 2024. Jude Bellingham has gained huge popularity for displaying uncommon maturity and calm for his age. Since his transfer to Real Madrid this season, he has been nothing short of exception. The midfielder has already scored 17 goals and given 5 assists midway through the 2023-24 season.

His physical presence in midfield, tactical understanding, and technical competence makes him the current LaLiga top scorer. Bellingham’s skills are evident in his ability to manage the tempo of games and disrupt the rival lines. He is a valuable asset to Real Madrid because of his ability to contribute both in attacks and also defensively thanks to his keen footballing intelligence. No wonder, his influence at Real Madrid is huge and he is surely the most-favourite to win the Ballon d’Or 2024 as of January

Football’s amazing talent and firm spirit are captured in the 2024 Ballon d’Or pursuit, which features Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Mohamed Salah, and Erling Haaland heading the field as favourites. These well-known individuals demonstrate their ability as January sets the stage, sparking an intense discussion over who could win the prized trophy. Their performance highlights a thrilling contest that perfectly conveys the essence of the game—a celebration of talent, commitment, and the dynamic story of football genius on a worldwide level.

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