In a year where the competition for the Ballon d’Or has already been heated, a new twist has been introduced to add to the mystique.
According to Tribuna, reports from acclaimed sports journalist Mario Cortegana state that the newly-revised Ballon d’Or regulations will see France Football interview the winners of the prestigious award only after the winner has been announced.
This is a break from the tradition that has been followed for years on end, where the winner of the Ballon d’Or is often made aware of his win and is interviewed before the actual ceremony.
So now, the winner will only learn their fate when the envelope is opened. This adds a new level of suspense to the event.
Vinicius Junior is believed to be the current favourite to take the Ballon d’Or, following his role in Real Madrid’s double success last season. A crucial part of the club’s Champions League triumph, he leads the 30-player shortlist for the men’s award.
For Vinicius, it’s about following the footsteps of the Brazilian greats who came befrom him, and honouring them by finally getting his hands on the Golden Ball for himself.
“A lot of Brazilian players who have won the Ballon d’Or. But without a doubt, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are the ones I’m closest with, who tell me every day that I have to win the Ballon d’Or,” Vinicius stated in a interview with CNN.
Rodri, who won the Premier League with Manchester City was named Player of the Tournament as Spain won Euro 2024, is also under consideration, after having proven himself to be the anchor of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Real Madrid’s talisman Jude Bellingham, who wnjoyed a stellar debut season with Los Blancos, is touted as yet another frontrunner.
A dark horse who remains in the race is another underrated member of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, Dani Carvajal. The right-back still argurably has an outside chance of taking the Ballon d’Or home after winning the Champions League, La Liga and Euro 2024.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on Monday 28th October at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
It will be the 68th edition of the award, which will be co-organised by UEFA in 2024, with France Football retaining the voting system.
