As the countdown to the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony begins, fans have weighed in on their favorites for this prestigious football accolade.
According to a recent fan vote conducted on the award’s official website, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. leads the pack with a remarkable 64.6% of the votes, showcasing his outstanding performances last season.
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The Brazilian forward scored 15 goals in 26 La Liga matches, bringing his total to 24 goals across all competitions, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s triumphs, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
In second place, Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez garnered 8.2% of the votes. The Argentine striker had an impressive season, netting 27 goals in 44 matches for his club, with 24 of those coming in Serie A. He also scored eight goals for Argentina in 2024, helping his national team secure the Copa America title.
Rodri of Manchester City secured the fourth position with 6.6% of the votes. The midfielder played a crucial role in Manchester City’s Premier League victory, contributing eight goals and earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year. His performance also shone through in Euro 2024, where he led Spain to victory and was named Player of the Tournament.
Rounding out the top five is Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who captured 4.6% of the votes. The 16-year-old had a breakout season, making 50 appearances for Barcelona and scoring seven goals. He played a vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success, earning accolades such as Young Player of the Tournament and Goal of the Tournament for his stunning goal against France.
The 68th Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on Monday, October 28, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France, starting at 7 p.m. UK time.
