Ballon d’Or 2024

JP Liz V1

No Messi or Ronaldo

Who takes it?

Rodri seems the top contender but some surprise choices nominated

El Gato De Negocios

First time in 21 years that Messi or Ronaldo haven't featured which is absolutely mind boggling.

HalloweenJack

Impressive fact but it's also a relief now that we can move on from the circus.

My money would be on Bellingham or Rodri, though I wouldn't rule out Kroos getting a sentimentality vote.

Hummels is a name that surprises me.

NIMAN

Bellingham had a poor end to the season, from the CL knock out stages onwards. But the BDor is as much about marketing, so he might get it.

For me, the most influential player of the last season was Dani Carvajal, but a right back won't get it.

Vini Jr is my bet.

rob316

It has to be Rodri, for my money he has been the best player in the world for a few years now.

CSF

Vinicius Jr seems to be the big favourite

jacool

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122584093#Comment_122584093

8/13 Vini Jr, 7/4 Rodri, 8/1 Bellingham 33s and bigger the rest.

artanevilla

I will be voting for Emi Martinez.

HalloweenJack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122584057#Comment_122584057

Caravajal with the CL/Euros combo would make him a decent shout. His position goes against him, though.

jacool

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122584240#Comment_122584240

I can see it

eagle eye

In the last 20 years one defender, Cannavaro, and one midfielder, Modric, have won the award. Personally I think the three best footballers in world football over the last twelve months have been Rodri, Carvajal and Vini jr. and I think one of the first two should be getting it but it's not going to happen.

Caustic

Rodri winning the balldor and not poty in England or even making the last shortlist would be fairly hilarious

The Davestator

Haaland was absolutely robbed last year in fairness to him

StringerBell

Should be Vini, probably be Rodri, no complaints really not much between them

IncognitoMan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122584251#Comment_122584251

What goes against him more is he isn't the best footballer in the world 😂

Carvajal had a dream season and was great for both his teams but that's not what the Ballon Dor should be.

It's meant to represent the best player in the world. That's probably Rodri unfortunately

eagle eye

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122590308#Comment_122590308

He's without doubt the best full back on the planet just like Rodri is the best midfielder and Vini jr is the best forward over the last twelve months.

His success at both club and national level should be strongly considered.

I'd be every bit as happy to see Carvajal get it as Rodri, they are equally deserving in my opinion.

BenK

I wouldn't say he is without doubt the best full back in the world. He's had an exceptional year with his club and country and but he's nowhere near the best player in the world.

Who would you rather have in your team: Carvajal, Rodri or Vinicius Jr.?

eagle eye

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122591714#Comment_122591714

That would depend on who else I had. If I had Kante and Haaland I'd want Carvajal.

If I had Frimpong and Haaland I'd want Rodri.

If I had Frimpong and Kante I'd want Vini jr

finno

delete

IncognitoMan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122592202#Comment_122592202

You have a team full of players who are all good footballers but no standouts. It doesn't matter who they are for this thought experiment

You have a pick. One player from any team in the world with their current ability to make your team better.

Do you pick Carvajal? Unlikely.

JP Liz V1

Lamine Yamal Kopa Trophy winner

NIMAN

Vini, and indeed the entire Madrid delegation, threw the rattle out of the pram and aren't there.

Be funny now if he wins it.

y0ssar1an22

rodri apparently

JP Liz V1

Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé joint Gerd Muller trophy winners

Bluebb993

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122773355#Comment_122773355

Club of the year and nobody there to collect it, or mbappe, Bellingham, vinni

JP Liz V1

Rodri wins

rob316

Overdue for Rodri, best midfielder in the world for a few years now, should of won it in the treble season.

ShamoBuc

Delighted for Rodri, no one can say he diesn't deserve it.

Absolutely pathetic by Real not to turn up - shows them for what they are.

Hope the Spanish press go after them.

rob316

Hes more than a defensive midfielder but great to see a player like him getting proper credit. He is an absolute collusal with the technical ability of a player a foot shorter usually.

NIMAN

He's a fantastic player, but kinda sums up modern game where a destroyer wins over a creator.

~Rebel~

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122773736#Comment_122773736

Ah he's far more than just a destroyer. Brilliant passer, brilliant reader of the game, and pops up with massive goals when they're needed most. Had 9 goals and 14 assist for City last season - only De Bruyne had more assists for City last year.