It’s now just a few days until the world’s best footballer is crowned at the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards.
The glitzy ceremony will be held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 28, with a number of world-class players up for the men’s award.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr is the favourite to win the accolade for the very first time, although his club teammate Jude Bellingham and Manchester City star Rodri are also thought to be in contention.
Several other players are seen as outside bets for the award, including City duo Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, Real Madrid veteran Dani Carvajal and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane.
Kane, 31, scored 44 goals in all competitions last season in his first campaign at Bayern, after joining them from Tottenham in the summer of 2023.
But despite his excellent goalscoring record last season, a first major trophy eluded Kane – with Bayer Leverkusen crowned shock Bundesliga champions under Xabi Alonso.
Kane will be determined to right that wrong this season and has continued his impressive form, scoring 13 goals in just 10 games for Bayern – who are currently top of the Bundesliga.
For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
But Kane believes one of them can still lay claim to the title of the world’s best footballer.
In a recent interview with GOAL, Kane was asked: “Who is the best player in the world right now?”
To which he replied [via IMiaSanMia]: “Lionel Messi had a fantastic Copa America again, he is still playing at really high level.”
Kane believes Messi is still the best player in the world (Image: Getty)
Messi is enjoying a successful second season with Inter Miami, helping the team win the MLS Supporters’ Shield with 20 goals in 19 league appearances.
Miami topped the table with 74 points, the most points ever amassed by a team in the league phase.
It comes after Messi captained Argentina to victory at Copa America in the summer.
Out of contention for this year’s award, Messi has tipped one of his Argentina teammates for the Ballon d’Or – Inter Milan stirker Lautaro Martinez.
Messi said [via Gazzetta dello Sport]: “[Lautaro] had a spectacular year. He scored in the [Copa America] final and was the best scorer. He deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Ballon d’Or, Football, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Harry Kane, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga