My Top 10 Ballon d'Or 2024

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 2024. This ranking is based on the calendar year, not the season. What counts for this ranking is the player's regularity over the calendar year, the number of matches played, the ability to raise his level in big games, statistics (goals, assists, clean sheets, goals conceded, etc.) and trophies won (collective and individual).

In 2024, Harry Kane continued to shine as one of the best strikers of his generation. Playing for Bayern Munich, he was a major component of his team in the Bundesliga and Champions League, despite the lack of trophies. He was also a key player for the English national team, scoring 3 goals at Euro 2024, where England finished runners-up2. Kane was recognized for his efficiency and elegance, and his role as captain reinforced his strategic importance in the game.

In 2024, Florian Wirtz was a rising star in German soccer. Playing for Bayer Leverkusen, he helped his team win the German championship for the first time, scoring 11 Bundesliga goals. He was also decisive in the German Cup, with 3 goals, and contributed to the German Supercup victory. At Euro 2024, Wirtz scored 2 goals for the German national team, playing a key role in their progress. His creative style of play and vision on the pitch have made him a player to be reckoned with.

In 2024, Kylian Mbappé was one of the strongest players statistically. Unfortunately, he failed to raise his game when it counted, notably with an unsuccessful Euro 2024 with the French national team and a complicated start to the 2024/25 season with Real Madrid. Nevertheless, he remains one of the best players of the season, scoring a huge number of goals and impressing with his acceleration.

In 2024, Lamine Yamal arrived like an extraterrestrial in the world of high performance. A lively, dribbling and whimsical winger, at just 17 years of age he was already one of the world's best players, decisive in the big moments. With the Spanish national team, he was one of the emblematic players of the tournament, with exceptional statistics for his young age. Another highlight of his year was that he was one of the best decisive passers of the year.

In 2024, Erling Haaland embodied power and efficiency on the pitch, cementing his status as one of the finest strikers in modern soccer. Always on the move, his relentless style of play and ability to exploit every opportunity galvanized his teams. Despite an injury that could have stunted his momentum, he showed remarkable determination, returning with even greater force. With his unique blend of speed, physical power and precision, Haaland has become a true inspiration to young players and an icon of the contemporary game.

In 2024, Toni Kroos enjoyed the last half-season of his career. A career finale at the top, still among the best midfielders of the year. Playing a vital role as a launchpad in Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid game, Kroos showed that he could be his team's technical leader. Unfortunately, he lacks the games to claim a higher ranking. But he ended his career with a fantastic half-season, winning the Champions League.

In 2024, Jude Bellingham emerged as one of the most talented players of his generation. Elegant, technical, physical, Jude was a technical genius during this season, a player capable of anything, playing central midfielder, attacking midfielder or even false 9 or top striker. Best player of the season in La Liga, it was above all for his first half of the 2023/24 season that he won this trophy, and the same for the Champions League. Tired by the succession of matches, he was nevertheless decisive in the big games of 2024, reaching the Euro 2024 final with England.

In 2024, Dani Carvajal was by far the best right-back in the world. Very good on his flank, he combined experience, leadership and consistency. His cruciate ligament injury towards the end of the year deprived him of a greater number of games, but he remains one of the best players of the year. Man of the match in the Champions League final and goalscorer, he brought Real Madrid another trophy. With Spain, he also won the Euro, so in terms of trophies, he was the player with the best record for the year.

Best midfielder of the year 2024 and the 2023/24 season, Rodri has shown impressive consistency and an unbeaten record. But his injury halfway through the year prevents him from winning the Ballon d'Or title in my opinion. He, who won this award in real life, is here 2nd in my ranking. Very calm, very good passer and very complete, scoring important goals, Rodri is one of the best defensive midfielders in history.

Vinícius Júnior is therefore my Ballon d'Or 2024, the best player of the year in my opinion. He was the one who raised his game the most during important matches. Through his desire to always surpass himself, he was behind many results turning in his favor, particularly in the Champions League where he humiliated Bayern Munich and scored once again in the final of the competition. His only downside remains his career with Brazil, with whom he had a difficult year. But at club level, he is by far the best player in 2024.