The nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or have been announced! And though the men’s Top 30 doesn’t include the world’s most decorated player alive, Lionel Messi, there are still few surprises on the list.
Two Argentinian players, one Brazilian and one Uruguayan make up the Latinos on the men’s list, less than in previous years, but still worthy of celebration.
Brazilian Vinicius Jr. and teammate Federico Valverde, from Uruguay, who both play at Real Madrid – and won both La Liga and the Champions League in 2024 are in the Top 30.
The two are joined by Argentinians Lautaro Martínez, Serie A’s top scorer last season, who plays for Inter Milan, the team that won the Italian Serie A, and Emiliano Martínez, who plays for Premier League club Aston Villa. The two were instrumental in helping Argentina win the last Copa America.
Emiliano Martínez was also nominated for the Yashin Trophy, which is awarded to the best goalkeeper. And youngsters Alejandro Garnacho, from Argentina, who plays at Manchester United, and Savinho, from Brazil, who plays for Manchester City, were nominated for the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the best young player under the age of 21.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni was also nominated as the best men’s coach of the year.
The winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or was Lionel Messi, coming off Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022. The Argentinian has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards in his career.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or gala will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.