Ballon d'Or 2024 Nominees Announced

The shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or has been unveiled, featuring six English players, including Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, while notable absences include Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The awards ceremony is set to take place on October 28 in Paris, and for the first time, neither Messi nor Ronaldo is nominated for the men’s award. In women's football, Emma Hayes, who has won multiple titles with Chelsea and now leads the US Women's National Team, is being discussed for recognition alongside her male counterparts, highlighting her significant contributions both on and off the pitch. The Super Ballon d'Or, awarded only once to Alfredo Di Stefano in 1989, recognized the best player over three decades, illustrating the history and prestige surrounding these awards. This year's nominations reflect a shift in football, indicating a new era as many legendary players are no longer considered among the best. The continued evolution of these awards underscores the growing significance of both men's and women's football globally.