Ballon d’Or 2024 Power Rankings

Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time in 2023. The legendary forward received the award off the back of an unforgettable year in which he finally won the World Cup with Argentina. Erling Haaland finished second but wasn’t able to win the accolade for the first time in his career, despite having won the treble with Manchester City.

At the age of 37 and now playing in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, it currently seems that Messi is unlikely to add a ninth to his collection. So, for the first time in years, it appears the race is wide open for anyone to come in and claim the Ballon d’Or.

In the past, the prestigious individual accolade was based on the performance of footballers across a calendar year. However, this time around – for the second time in the award’s history – the votes are based on the results of the season, meaning that in 2023, Messi won for his efforts – starting on August 1, 2022 and ending on July 31, 2023. We’ve listed the 20 most likely candidates for the 2024 Ballon d’Or based on how they’ve performed so far this year.

Ranking factors

We’ve determined the order based on the following:

Goals scored
Assists
Clean sheets (if defensive-minded)
Trophies won/challenged for
Big moments in 2023-24 and in major international tournaments
General form

Ballon d’Or Power Rankings

Rank
Player
Club
Country
Position

1
Rodri
Manchester City
Spain
Midfielder

2
Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid
Brazil
Forward

3
Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid
England
Midfielder

4
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona
Spain
Forward

5
Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid
France
Forward

6
Dani Carvajal
Real Madrid
Spain
Defender

7
Lautaro Martinez
Inter
Argentina
Forward

8
Phil Foden
Manchester City
England
Forward

9
Toni Kroos
Retired
Germany
Midfielder

10
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich
England
Forward

11
Lionel Messi
Inter Miami
Argentina
Forward

12
Nico Williams
Athletic Bilbao
Spain
Forward

13
Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid
Germany
Defender

14
Erling Haaland
Manchester City
Norway
Forward

15
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal
England
Forward

16
Eduardo Camavinga
Real Madrid
France
Midfielder

17
Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen
Germany
Midfielder

18
Rodrygo
Real Madrid
Brazil
Forward

19
Granit Xhaka
Bayer Leverkusen
Switzerland
Midfielder

20
Emiliano Martinez
Aston Villa
Argentina
Goalkeeper

20Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa and Argentina

Lionel Messi hailed his international teammate Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez as the world’s best goalkeeper in the aftermath of Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final victory over Ecuador, a competition that they went on to win. Certainly, when it comes to penalty shootouts at least, the Aston Villa shot-stopper is in a league of his own.

The man who produced arguably the best save of all time in the 2022 World Cup final, Martinez has been worth his weight in gold for Argentina since becoming the South American nation’s first-choice ‘keeper several years ago. The 31-year-old was also named Best Goalkeeper at the 2024 Copa America.

Emiliano Martinez for Aston Villa in 2023/24

Games
47

Goals Conceded
61

Clean Sheets
15

19Granit Xhaka

Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland

Much-maligned during his time with Arsenal, Granit Xhaka has transformed his reputation since joining Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2023. The combative midfielder played a starring role as Xabi Alonso’s side went the entire Bundesliga campaign unbeaten, ending Bayern Munich’s era of dominance in the process.

Xhaka would stand a far better chance of winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or if Bayer Leverkusen had beaten Atalanta in the Europa League final, and if Switzerland had found a way past England at Euro 2024. Still, take nothing away from the remarkable season he had. The 31-year-old deserves all the plaudits that have come his way in recent months and will play a similarly vital role for the Bundesliga champions in 2024/25.

Granit Xhaka for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24

Games
50

Goals
4

Assists
2

18Rodrygo

Real Madrid and Brazil

Real Madrid are blessed with talent throughout their squad, but one man who flies under the radar is Rodrygo. Despite all the other big names at the Santiago Bernabeu, the tricky winger was one of the standout performers in their La Liga and Champions League success in 2023/24, scoring 15 times in both competitions while registering eight assists too.

Although Brazil fell at the quarter-final stage of the 2024 Copa America, Rodrygo started in every game at the tournament. Had they reached a later stage and had the 23-year-old registered a goal contribution, then he would have been much higher in the rankings.

Rodrygo for Real Madrid in 2023/24

Appearances
51

Goals
17

Assists
9

17Florian Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen and Germany

What a season it was last term for Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen. From relegation candidates when the Spaniard took over to the champions of Germany in less than two years. The rise has been remarkable and there’s no doubt that it’s been an incredible team effort.

In the past, the prestigious individual accolade was based on the performance of footballers across a calendar year. However, this time around – for the second time in the award’s history – the votes are based on the results of the season, meaning that in 2023, Messi won for his efforts – starting on August 1, 2022 and ending on July 31, 2023. We’ve listed the 20 most likely candidates for the 2024 Ballon d’Or based on how they’ve performed so far this year.

Ranking factors

We’ve determined the order based on the following:

Goals scored
Assists
Clean sheets (if defensive-minded)
Trophies won/challenged for
Big moments in 2023-24 and in major international tournaments
General form

Ballon d’Or Power Rankings

Rank
Player
Club
Country
Position

1
Rodri
Manchester City
Spain
Midfielder

2
Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid
Brazil
Forward

3
Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid
England
Midfielder

4
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona
Spain
Forward

5
Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid
France
Forward

6
Dani Carvajal
Real Madrid
Spain
Defender

7
Lautaro Martinez
Inter
Argentina
Forward

8
Phil Foden
Manchester City
England
Forward

9
Toni Kroos
Retired
Germany
Midfielder

10
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich
England
Forward

11
Lionel Messi
Inter Miami
Argentina
Forward

12
Nico Williams
Athletic Bilbao
Spain
Forward

13
Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid
Germany
Defender

14
Erling Haaland
Manchester City
Norway
Forward

15
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal
England
Forward

16
Eduardo Camavinga
Real Madrid
France
Midfielder

17
Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen
Germany
Midfielder

18
Rodrygo
Real Madrid
Brazil
Forward

19
Granit Xhaka
Bayer Leverkusen
Switzerland
Midfielder

20
Emiliano Martinez
Aston Villa
Argentina
Goalkeeper

20Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa and Argentina

Lionel Messi hailed his international teammate Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez as the world’s best goalkeeper in the aftermath of Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final victory over Ecuador, a competition that they went on to win. Certainly, when it comes to penalty shootouts at least, the Aston Villa shot-stopper is in a league of his own.

The man who produced arguably the best save of all time in the 2022 World Cup final, Martinez has been worth his weight in gold for Argentina since becoming the South American nation’s first-choice ‘keeper several years ago. The 31-year-old was also named Best Goalkeeper at the 2024 Copa America.

Emiliano Martinez for Aston Villa in 2023/24

Games
47

Goals Conceded
61

Clean Sheets
15

19Granit Xhaka

Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland

Much-maligned during his time with Arsenal, Granit Xhaka has transformed his reputation since joining Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2023. The combative midfielder played a starring role as Xabi Alonso’s side went the entire Bundesliga campaign unbeaten, ending Bayern Munich’s era of dominance in the process.

Xhaka would stand a far better chance of winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or if Bayer Leverkusen had beaten Atalanta in the Europa League final, and if Switzerland had found a way past England at Euro 2024. Still, take nothing away from the remarkable season he had. The 31-year-old deserves all the plaudits that have come his way in recent months and will play a similarly vital role for the Bundesliga champions in 2024/25.

Granit Xhaka for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24

Games
50

Goals
4

Assists
2

18Rodrygo

Real Madrid and Brazil

Real Madrid are blessed with talent throughout their squad, but one man who flies under the radar is Rodrygo. Despite all the other big names at the Santiago Bernabeu, the tricky winger was one of the standout performers in their La Liga and Champions League success in 2023/24, scoring 15 times in both competitions while registering eight assists too.

Although Brazil fell at the quarter-final stage of the 2024 Copa America, Rodrygo started in every game at the tournament. Had they reached a later stage and had the 23-year-old registered a goal contribution, then he would have been much higher in the rankings.

Rodrygo for Real Madrid in 2023/24

Appearances
51

Goals
17

Assists
9

17Florian Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen and Germany

What a season it was last term for Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen. From relegation candidates when the Spaniard took over to the champions of Germany in less than two years. The rise has been remarkable and there’s no doubt that it’s been an incredible team effort.

In the past, the prestigious individual accolade was based on the performance of footballers across a calendar year. However, this time around – for the second time in the award’s history – the votes are based on the results of the season, meaning that in 2023, Messi won for his efforts – starting on August 1, 2022 and ending on July 31, 2023. We’ve listed the 20 most likely candidates for the 2024 Ballon d’Or based on how they’ve performed so far this year.

Ranking factors

We’ve determined the order based on the following:

Goals scored
Assists
Clean sheets (if defensive-minded)
Trophies won/challenged for
Big moments in 2023-24 and in major international tournaments
General form

Ballon d’Or Power Rankings

Rank
Player
Club
Country
Position

1
Rodri
Manchester City
Spain
Midfielder

2
Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid
Brazil
Forward

3
Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid
England
Midfielder

4
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona
Spain
Forward

5
Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid
France
Forward

6
Dani Carvajal
Real Madrid
Spain
Defender

7
Lautaro Martinez
Inter
Argentina
Forward

8
Phil Foden
Manchester City
England
Forward

9
Toni Kroos
Retired
Germany
Midfielder

10
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich
England
Forward

11
Lionel Messi
Inter Miami
Argentina
Forward

12
Nico Williams
Athletic Bilbao
Spain
Forward

13
Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid
Germany
Defender

14
Erling Haaland
Manchester City
Norway
Forward

15
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal
England
Forward

16
Eduardo Camavinga
Real Madrid
France
Midfielder

17
Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen
Germany
Midfielder

18
Rodrygo
Real Madrid
Brazil
Forward

19
Granit Xhaka
Bayer Leverkusen
Switzerland
Midfielder

20
Emiliano Martinez
Aston Villa
Argentina
Goalkeeper

20Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa and Argentina

Lionel Messi hailed his international teammate Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez as the world’s best goalkeeper in the aftermath of Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final victory over Ecuador, a competition that they went on to win. Certainly, when it comes to penalty shootouts at least, the Aston Villa shot-stopper is in a league of his own.

The man who produced arguably the best save of all time in the 2022 World Cup final, Martinez has been worth his weight in gold for Argentina since becoming the South American nation’s first-choice ‘keeper several years ago. The 31-year-old was also named Best Goalkeeper at the 2024 Copa America.

Emiliano Martinez for Aston Villa in 2023/24

Games
47

Goals Conceded
61

Clean Sheets
15

19Granit Xhaka

Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland

Much-maligned during his time with Arsenal, Granit Xhaka has transformed his reputation since joining Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2023. The combative midfielder played a starring role as Xabi Alonso’s side went the entire Bundesliga campaign unbeaten, ending Bayern Munich’s era of dominance in the process.

Xhaka would stand a far better chance of winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or if Bayer Leverkusen had beaten Atalanta in the Europa League final, and if Switzerland had found a way past England at Euro 2024. Still, take nothing away from the remarkable season he had. The 31-year-old deserves all the plaudits that have come his way in recent months and will play a similarly vital role for the Bundesliga champions in 2024/25.

Granit Xhaka for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24

Games
50

Goals
4

Assists
2

18Rodrygo

Real Madrid and Brazil

Real Madrid are blessed with talent throughout their squad, but one man who flies under the radar is Rodrygo. Despite all the other big names at the Santiago Bernabeu, the tricky winger was one of the standout performers in their La Liga and Champions League success in 2023/24, scoring 15 times in both competitions while registering eight assists too.

Although Brazil fell at the quarter-final stage of the 2024 Copa America, Rodrygo started in every game at the tournament. Had they reached a later stage and had the 23-year-old registered a goal contribution, then he would have been much higher in the rankings.

Rodrygo for Real Madrid in 2023/24

Appearances
51

Goals
17

Assists
9

17Florian Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen and Germany

What a season it was last term for Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen. From relegation candidates when the Spaniard took over to the champions of Germany in less than two years. The rise has been remarkable and there’s no doubt that it’s been an incredible team effort.

In the past, the prestigious individual accolade was based on the performance of footballers across a calendar year. However, this time around – for the second time in the award’s history – the votes are based on the results of the season, meaning that in 2023, Messi won for his efforts – starting on August 1, 2022 and ending on July 31, 2023. We’ve listed the 20 most likely candidates for the 2024 Ballon d’Or based on how they’ve performed so far this year.

Ranking factors

We’ve determined the order based on the following:

Goals scored
Assists
Clean sheets (if defensive-minded)
Trophies won/challenged for
Big moments in 2023-24 and in major international tournaments

Ballon d’Or Power Rankings

Rank
Player
Club
Country
Position

1
Rodri
Manchester City
Spain
Midfielder

2
Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid
Brazil
Forward

3
Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid
England
Midfielder

4
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona
Spain
Forward

5
Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid
France
Forward

6
Dani Carvajal
Real Madrid
Spain
Defender

7
Lautaro Martinez
Inter
Argentina
Forward

8
Phil Foden
Manchester City
England
Forward

9
Toni Kroos
Retired
Germany
Midfielder

10
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich
England
Forward

11
Lionel Messi
Inter Miami
Argentina
Forward

12
Nico Williams
Athletic Bilbao
Spain
Forward

13
Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid
Germany
Defender

14
Erling Haaland
Manchester City
Norway
Forward

15
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal
England
Forward

16
Eduardo Camavinga
Real Madrid
France
Midfielder

17
Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen
Germany
Midfielder

18
Rodrygo
Real Madrid
Brazil
Forward

19
Granit Xhaka
Bayer Leverkusen
Switzerland
Midfielder

20
Emiliano Martinez
Aston Villa
Argentina
Goalkeeper

20Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa and Argentina

Lionel Messi hailed his international teammate Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez as the world’s best goalkeeper in the aftermath of Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final victory over Ecuador, a competition that they went on to win. Certainly, when it comes to penalty shootouts at least, the Aston Villa shot-stopper is in a league of his own.

The man who produced arguably the best save of all time in the 2022 World Cup final, Martinez has been worth his weight in gold for Argentina since becoming the South American nation’s first-choice ‘keeper several years ago. The 31-year-old was also named Best Goalkeeper at the 2024 Copa America.

Emiliano Martinez for Aston Villa in 2023/24

Games
47

Goals Conceded
61

Clean Sheets
15

19Granit Xhaka

Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland

Much-maligned during his time with Arsenal, Granit Xhaka has transformed his reputation since joining Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2023. The combative midfielder played a starring role as Xabi Alonso’s side went the entire Bundesliga campaign unbeaten, ending Bayern Munich’s era of dominance in the process.

Xhaka would stand a far better chance of winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or if Bayer Leverkusen had beaten Atalanta in the Europa League final, and if Switzerland had found a way past England at Euro 2024. Still, take nothing away from the remarkable season he had. The 31-year-old deserves all the plaudits that have come his way in recent months and will play a similarly vital role for the Bundesliga champions in 2024/25.

Granit Xhaka for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24

Games
50

Goals
4

Assists
2

18Rodrygo

Real Madrid and Brazil

Real Madrid are blessed with talent throughout their squad, but one man who flies under the radar is Rodrygo. Despite all the other big names at the Santiago Bernabeu, the tricky winger was one of the standout performers in their La Liga and Champions League success in 2023/24, scoring 15 times in both competitions while registering eight assists too.

Although Brazil fell at the quarter-final stage of the 2024 Copa America, Rodrygo started in every game at the tournament. Had they reached a later stage and had the 23-year-old registered a goal contribution, then he would have been much higher in the rankings.

Rodrygo for Real Madrid in 2023/24

Appearances
51

Goals
17

Assists
9

17Florian Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen and Germany

What a season it was last term for Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen. From relegation candidates when the Spaniard took over to the champions of Germany in less than two years. The rise has been remarkable and there’s no doubt that it’s been an incredible team effort.

On a personal level, life in Bavaria has been good for him so far, with Kane breaking all sorts of records with his goals – including that ridiculous strike from the halfway line against Darmstadt. He is the best goalscorer in Europe right now, so he deserves his lofty position on this list. However, Bayern Munich’s failure to win the Champions League may be a negative against the Englishman, who is still waiting for his first major honour following England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Harry Kane for Bayern Munich in 2023/24

Games
45

Goals
44

Assists
12

9Toni Kroos

Retired (Was Real Madrid and Germany)

Toni Kroos almost became a forgotten man at Real Madrid until the German midfielder sensationally reminded the world of his exceptional technical ability. The ex-Bayern Munich star has already added to his extensive list of major honours and is now a Champions League winner for a sixth time.

Kroos was still arguably the best passer of a ball on the planet heading into Euro 2024, with his vision and composure being off the charts. However, he played his final game in professional football following Germany’s Euro 2024 quarter-final exit to Spain, after deciding to call time on his illustrious career aged just 34 prior to the tournament getting underway.

Toni Kroos for Real Madrid in 2023/24

Games
48

Goals
1

Assists
10

8Phil Foden

Manchester City and England

Kevin De Bruyne missed a chunk of the 2023-24 season through injury and Phil Foden stepped up in his teammate’s absence. The Manchester City academy product has won plenty of titles before with the club, but while often acting as one of many stars in a stacked team.

Named the Premier League’s Player of the Year, Foden inspired City to a fourth successive Premier League title. The gifted Englishman had his most productive season to date but, despite his best efforts, was unable to get England over the line at Euro 2024.

Phil Foden for Manchester City in 2023/24

Games
53

Goals
27

Assists
12

7Lautaro Martinez

Inter Milan and Argentina

Going purely off league form during the 2023-24 season, there are very few across the globe who have played better football than Martinez in recent months. With 24 Serie A goals and six assists to his name, the Argentine helped Inter Milan secure a 30th league title, culminating with a win over arch-rivals AC Milan.

The 26-year-old continued his fine form while at the Copa America, where he secured the top scorer award with five goals, including the winner in the final against Colombia. As a result of that extra-time winning goal, Martinez’s chances of making the Ballon d’Or podium have improved dramatically.

Lautaro Martinez for Inter Milan in 2023/24

Games
44

Goals
27

Assists
7

6Dani Carvajal

Real Madrid and Spain

Big moments count big time when it comes to the Ballon d’Or, and it was Dani Carvajal who scored Real Madrid’s crucial first goal against Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 Champions League final, heading home from Toni Kroos’ cross. The 32-year-old wasn’t previously among the top 20 candidates prior to the final at Wembley, but that moment propelled him into the top 10.

Carvajal also helped Spain win Euro 2024, so it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that he’ll become the first defender since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 to win the Ballon d’Or.

Dani Carvajal for Real Madrid in 2023/24

Games
41

Goals
6

Assists
5

5Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid and France

It feels a little surprising that Kylian Mbappe doesn’t have a Ballon d’Or to his name already. He won the World Cup in 2018 and then netted a hat-trick in the 2022 final as France fell just short at the final hurdle against Argentina in Qatar.

On top of that, he has consistently scored goals and won titles in his homeland with Paris Saint-Germain. And yet, it feels as though the winger may need to achieve Champions League glory if he is to win the Ballon d’Or. His chances of winning the European Cup may improve dramatically in 2024/25 following his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, with the Frenchman already scoring in their UEFA Super Cup triumph.

Kylian Mbappe for PSG in 2023/24

Games
48

Goals
44

Assists
10

4Lamine Yamal

Barcelona and Spain

Lamine Yamal cemented his status as a household name of European football at the tender age of 17 thanks to his extremely impressive performances for champions Spain at Euro 2024. The Barcelona sensation wasn’t in the frame for the 2024 Ballon d’Or prior to this summer’s showpiece international tournament, but that’s all changed now. His stunning goal against France in the semi-finals will be spoken about for many years, if not decades, to come.

Yamal also played his part in the final, assisting Nico Williams’ opening goal – his fourth assist of the tournament. The teenager deservedly won Euro 2024’s Best Young Player award and, as a result, he now finds himself in with a serious chance of becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Ballon d’Or award.

Lamine Yamal for Barcelona in 2023/24

Games
50

Goals
7

Assists
10

3Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid and England

Jude Bellingham will almost certainly be on the podium for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award. After the 21-year-old made a huge summer move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid, it would have been understandable if it took him some time to settle in. But, of course, this isn’t just any normal footballer.

No, we are talking about Bellingham: the boy from Birmingham who arrived in Spain and took on Zinedine Zidane’s famous number five shirt for Los Blancos as if it was his birthright. The winner of the 2023 Kopa Trophy has scored so regularly in Madrid – including that match-winning brace against rivals Barcelona on his Clasico debut – Cristiano Ronaldo might one day have to be worried about his records with the club. Now a La Liga and Champions League winner, expect to see Bellingham in the mix for the Ballon d’Or later this year, especially after *that* overhead kick goal for England against Slovakia during Euro 2024.

Jude Bellingham for Real Madrid in 2023/24

Games
42

Goals
23

Assists
13

2Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid and Brazil

Vinicius Jr was Real Madrid’s star man during the 2023-24 campaign alongside Bellingham, playing a pivotal role as the Spanish giants won both La Liga and the Champions League. No Real Madrid player scored more goals during the Champions League campaign than the gifted South American winger.

His sixth and final goal came at Wembley in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund as Carlo Ancelotti’s side secured a 2-0 win in London – and a record-breaking 15th European Cup. However, Brazil’s quarter-final elimination in the Copa America has slightly dented his chances of a Ballon d’Or award, although he will certainly still be among the main contenders.

Vinicius Junior for Real Madrid in 2023/24

Games
39

Goals
24

Assists
11

1Rodri

Manchester City and Spain

In the most recent Ballon d’Or rankings, Rodri came fifth, but there is an argument to suggest he should have finished higher. After all, he may well be the most important player in the Manchester City team – and potentially even the world’s best footballer.

Man City lost every Premier League game he missed last term. He’s potentially more important to Pep Guardiola than Haaland. Instrumental for his country, too, Rodri deservedly won the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament award after Spain beat England in the final to lift the famous European Championship trophy in Berlin. He might not make as many headlines as Bellingham or Vinicius, but when it comes to success and how crucial a player has been to those triumphs, no player has been more important to club and country than Rodri.

Rodri for Manchester City in 2023/24

Games
50

Goals
9

Assists
14