The debate continues about who will win the Ballon d'Or for the best player of 2024 as Lionel Messi, who holds the record for the most wins of the prestigious award, is experiencing a decline in performance while some rising stars are shining. The Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" reported that young Spanish star Lamine Yamal, only 16 years old and currently excelling in the European Championship in Germany, could be a contender for the Ballon d'Or in 2024 due to his exceptional performances this season.
The report added that the Barcelona star needs to deliver an outstanding performance in the Euro 2024 final (Spain is awaiting the winner of the match between England and the Netherlands), possibly scoring a decisive goal as he did against France in the semi-finals, or perhaps providing some assists to add to the three goals he has already made in the continental tournament, to enhance his chances in the Ballon d'Or race.
The newspaper pointed out that Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder and Yamal's teammate in the Spanish team, could also be among the top candidates for the Ballon d'Or if Spain wins Euro 2024. It explained that if Spain clinches the Euro title, it would not be the first time in history that outstanding performances in an international competition are enough to win the Ballon d'Or.
The Spanish paper cited examples: "Former Soviet Union striker Igor Belanov won the Ballon d'Or in 1986 after scoring four goals in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, despite his team being eliminated in the round of 16." It added, "German Matthias Sammer was awarded the prize in 1996 for his performances in the Euro 1996 in England, which he won, while also winning the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. In 2023, Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or thanks to the outstanding World Cup victory he achieved with Argentina in December 2022."
The newspaper emphasized that if England wins the "Euro 2024," which is a very plausible scenario, the debate would surely end, as the "Three Lions" star and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham would receive the award regardless of his performance, since the English star would add the continental title to the Champions League and La Liga titles he won in his last season with Real Madrid.
"Mundo Deportivo" confirmed that there are no more contenders from other teams on the horizon for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, as even Argentine Lionel Messi, who has already led his team to the Copa America final, has not had a remarkable performance this season. Furthermore, his move to play with Inter Miami in the American league already diminishes his chances of winning the record ninth Ballon d'Or following his last win in 2023.
