Ballon d'Or Ceremony Set for October 2024

The upcoming Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris marks a significant shift in football, as neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will be nominated for the first time in 21 years, ending their historic rivalry that saw them win the award 13 times. Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior stands out as the favorite for the award, having showcased his talent with a remarkable Champions League hat trick this week. Despite his impressive season, some commentators suggest the award may revert to a time when multiple winners were common, reflecting on past legends like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho, who each won only once. Messi, who won his eighth Ballon d'Or last year, remains an unmatched figure in football history, with no clear successor emerging. Messi's coach, Gerardo Martino, highlighted Vinicius Junior's merits while also acknowledging the competition from other candidates like Lautaro Martínez and Rodri. The ceremony is anticipated to celebrate a new era in football, emphasizing fresh talent beyond the Messi-Ronaldo dominance.