**Ballon d'Or 2024 Power Rankings: Vinicius Jr Poised to Edge Out Rodri for Golden Ball, While Jude Bellingham Suffers from Disappointing Season Finish

The winner will be revealed in Paris on Monday, October 28. So, which of the game's biggest stars are genuine contenders, and who are just pretenders?

**Ballon d'Or 2024 Power Rankings: The Race for Glory Heats Up**

After a season where Lionel Messi finally lifted the World Cup, he claimed his eighth Ballon d'Or with the 2023 prize in Paris last October. However, the footballing world has shifted focus, sparking intense debates about who will take the 2024 crown.

The 2023-24 season has been a fierce competition, marked by the highs and lows of domestic leagues alongside international tournaments like the European Championship and Copa America.

With the battle between Messi's international success and Erling Haaland's dominance at Manchester City fresh in mind, the impact of these international competitions on the Ballon d'Or race is crucial.

As the nominees are finalized, GOAL is here to break down the contenders for the prestigious award. Who will emerge victorious in Paris on Monday, October 28?

---

### 15. Dani Olmo (Barcelona)

**2023-24 Stats:** 13 goals, 7 assists.  

**Honors:** Euro 2024, DFL-Supercup.  

Olmo made a late impact in Euro 2024, helping Spain win the tournament with three goals and two assists, including a vital defensive play in the final. His performances led to a high-profile move to Barcelona.

### 14. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

**2023-24 Stats:** 27 clean sheets.  

**Honors:** Copa America.  

The Argentina keeper played a key role in Villa’s top-four finish and starred in the Copa America, conceding only once in six matches and showcasing his penalty-saving skills in the quarter-finals.

### 13. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

**2023-24 Stats:** 45 goals, 6 assists.  

**Honors:** Premier League, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup.  

Despite another impressive scoring season, Haaland's missed opportunity to shine on the international stage after Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024 may cost him in the Ballon d'Or race.

### 12. Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

**2023-24 Stats:** 11 goals, 25 assists.  

**Honors:** Euro 2024, Copa del Rey.  

Williams emerged as a top threat in La Liga and made waves at Euro 2024, contributing significantly to Spain's success, including a memorable goal in the final.

### 11. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

**2023-24 Stats:** 21 goals, 21 assists.  

**Honors:** Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal.  

Wirtz was instrumental in Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga season and showcased his talent at Euro 2024, solidifying his status as a top contender.

### 10. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

**2023-24 Stats:** 10 goals, 18 assists.  

**Honors:** Euro 2024.  

The young star's breakout season at Barcelona included record-setting performances and a strong showing at Euro 2024, where he was named Young Player of the Tournament.

### 9. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

**2023-24 Stats:** 28 goals, 12 assists.  

**Honors:** Premier League, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup.  

Foden excelled in the absence of key players but struggled to replicate his form at Euro 2024, impacting his Ballon d'Or chances.

### 8. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

**2023-24 Stats:** 52 goals, 14 assists.  

Kane’s prolific scoring didn’t translate into silverware for Bayern, and his performance at Euro 2024, where he shared the Golden Boot, was overshadowed by his club's struggles.

### 7. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

**2023-24 Stats:** 52 goals, 21 assists.  

**Honors:** Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions.  

Despite domestic success, Mbappe’s disappointing Euro 2024 campaign and injury setbacks might hinder his chances for the Golden Ball.

### 6. Toni Kroos (Retired)

**2023-24 Stats:** 1 goal, 12 assists.  

**Honors:** Champions League, La Liga, Supercopa de Espana.  

In his final season, Kroos delivered masterclass performances in crucial matches, leaving a lasting legacy as he retired at the season's end.

### 5. Lautaro Martinez (Inter)

**2023-24 Stats:** 35 goals, 8 assists.  

**Honors:** Copa America, Serie A, Supercoppa Italiana.  

Martinez overcame past criticisms by leading Inter to domestic glory and finishing as the top scorer at the Copa America, earning recognition for his contributions.

### 4. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)

**2023-24 Stats:** 7 goals, 8 assists, 21 clean sheets.  

**Honors:** Euro 2024, Champions League, La Liga, Supercopa de Espana.  

Carvajal’s consistent performances on both domestic and international stages solidified his status as one of the season's key players.

### 3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

**2023-24 Stats:** 27 goals, 17 assists.  

**Honors:** Champions League, La Liga, Supercopa de Espana.  

Bellingham's stellar first half of the season and critical goals in the Champions League showcased his immense talent, though injury concerns may affect his standing.

### 2. Rodri (Manchester City)

**2023-24 Stats:** 12 goals, 15 assists.  

**Honors:** Euro 2024, Premier League, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup.  

Rodri's pivotal role in City’s success and his standout performances in Euro 2024 have made him a leading candidate for the Ballon d'Or, especially after earning Player of the Tournament honors.

### 1. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

**2023-24 Stats:** 26 goals, 12 assists.  

**Honors:** Champions League, La Liga, Supercopa de Espana.  

Vinicius bounced back after injury to deliver a standout season, particularly in crucial Champions League matches. Despite a setback at the Copa America, he remains the frontrunner for the Golden Ball.

---

As we approach the ceremony in Paris, the excitement builds around who will take home the coveted Ballon d'Or. Stay tuned for the announcement!