Ballon d'Or: Latest News, History and 2024 Predictions

The Ballon d'Or is the biggest individual award in football. Fans, players and journalists all watch the shortlist to see who might lift the golden trophy. If you’re curious about why the award matters, who has won it before and who could win this year, you’re in the right place.

What is the Ballon d'Or?

Created by the French magazine *France Football* in 1956, the Ballon d'Or started as a prize for European players. In 1995 it opened up to any player in the world, and since 2016 it has been voted on again by journalists, national team captains and coaches. The voting system uses a point scale: each voter picks their top five players, giving ten points to their first choice, then six, four, two and one point for the others. The player with the most points wins the golden globe-shaped medal.

The award is more than a trophy; it reflects a player’s impact on the season, their goals, assists, titles and moments that stick in fans’ memory. That’s why debates heat up every December when the shortlist is announced.

Recent Winners and 2024 Predictions

In the past decade the award has been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi took the prize in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021, while Ronaldo won in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017. Since then, other stars have broken through. Luka Modrić surprised everyone in 2018, and Robert Lewandowski earned his first win in 2020. The 2022 and 2023 awards went to Messi again and then to a surprise newcomer, Kylian Mbappé, who impressed with his World Cup performances and league dominance.

Looking ahead to the 2024 Ballon d'Or, the conversation centers on a few big names. Mbappé is still on fire, scoring over 30 goals for his club and leading France in major tournaments. Erling Haaland’s record‑breaking season with Manchester City – nearly a goal per game – puts him squarely in the mix. Meanwhile, Messi’s move to Inter Miami has added a new storyline, but his European season stats are behind him, which could hurt his chances.

Fans also keep an eye on emerging talents. Jude Bellingham’s midfield mastery for Real Madrid, and Phil Foden’s consistent brilliance for Manchester City, are both strong arguments for a first‑time win. The final shortlist will likely include a mix of seasoned legends and hungry youngsters, making the vote a true showdown.

When the shortlist drops, look for patterns in the voting pools. Journalists often favor players from clubs that win major trophies, while captains and coaches might reward consistency or personal relationships. That’s why a player who wins the Champions League and domestic league, like Haaland, usually gets a boost.

So, whether you cheer for the veteran greats or root for the next breakout star, the Ballon d'Or always sparks conversation. Keep an eye on the official *France Football* announcements, follow the voting updates, and join the debates on social media. The award not only crowns the best player of the year but also tells the story of football’s ever‑changing landscape.