The race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or is heating up, and a new name has emerged as the frontrunner. Jude Bellingham, the 21-year-old midfield prodigy for Real Madrid and England, has overtaken Vinicius Jr. in the eyes of many pundits and bookmakers. Bellingham’s phenomenal performances throughout the season and his instrumental role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign have propelled him to the top of the contenders’ list.
A Season of Excellence: Bellingham’s Case for the Ballon d’Or
Bellingham’s 2023/24 season has been nothing short of spectacular. Here’s a closer look at his achievements:
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Midfield Maestro for Real Madrid: Bellingham seamlessly integrated into Real Madrid’s midfield, forming a telepathic partnership with Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. His box-to-box presence, intelligent passing, and ability to score crucial goals were key to Los Blancos winning the La Liga title.
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Leading England’s Euro 2024 Charge: Bellingham was the driving force behind England’s run to the Euro 2024 final. His tireless work ethic, creativity, and leadership qualities were instrumental in propelling his team forward. While England ultimately fell short, Bellingham’s individual brilliance was undeniable.
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Individual Accolades: Bellingham’s season was further decorated by individual awards. He retained his Golden Boy award, given to the best young player in Europe under 21, and was named La Liga’s Young Player of the Year.
These accomplishments, coupled with his consistent brilliance throughout the season, have made Bellingham a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or. His impact on both club and country has been undeniable, putting him in a strong position to claim the most prestigious individual award in football.
Vinicius Jr.’s Bid Dims: A Season of Ups and Downs
Vinicius Jr., the young Brazilian winger who was the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or earlier in the season, has seen his claim weaken somewhat. While he remained a key player for Real Madrid, his overall impact wasn’t as consistently dominant as Bellingham’s.
Here’s a look at Vinicius Jr.’s season:
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Still a force for Real Madrid: Vinicius Jr. continued to be a vital cog in Real Madrid’s attacking machinery. His pace, dribbling skills, and link-up play with Karim Benzema were crucial in their La Liga triumph. However, his finishing touch sometimes faltered compared to the previous season.
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A Quiet Euro 2024 Campaign: Unlike Bellingham, Vinicius Jr.’s impact on Brazil’s Euro 2024 campaign was relatively muted. The Seleção’s unexpected early exit meant Vinicius Jr. had less opportunity to shine on the biggest stage.
While Vinicius Jr.’s talent remains undeniable, his lack of consistent impact throughout the season and his underwhelming performance at Euro 2024 have seen his Ballon d’Or chances diminish. He remains a contender, but Bellingham’s recent surge has shifted the narrative.
Other Contenders: Can a Dark Horse Emerge?
While Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. are the frontrunners, other players could potentially challenge for the Ballon d’Or:
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Kylian Mbappé: If the French superstar leads PSG to Champions League glory and continues his prolific goalscoring form, he remains a contender.
However, these players face an uphill battle. Bellingham’s all-around excellence throughout the season and his pivotal role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign make him a strong favorite.
A Changing of the Guard? Bellingham’s Potential Impact
If Jude Bellingham wins the Ballon d’Or, it could mark a significant shift in the award’s landscape. At just 21, he would be the youngest recipient ever, signifying the emergence of a new generation of footballing superstars.
Bellingham’s victory would also be a testament to the growing importance of midfielders in the modern game. His ability to influence every aspect of the match, both offensively and defensively, embodies the complete modern midfielder.
