The top ten contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or

10. Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen)

In 2023-24: 6 goals, 4 assists.

Before Mikel Arteta joined Arsenal, Granit Xhaka was often criticized for being unstable and overly aggressive.

However, in the 2022-23 season, he became an indispensable part of Arsenal’s attacking machine. His ability to make clever openings into free areas and combine with his teammates proved to be very effective.

In the 2023-24 season, Granit Xhaka was one of the leaders at Bayer Leverkusen and will be a vital player for Xabi Alonso in the upcoming season. His forward passes and strong presence in pressing situations have significantly benefited the team.

At Euro 2024, Xhaka was also a fundamental player for the Swiss national team, which was only beaten by England on penalties.

In the match against England, he made 3 tackles, 2 blocked shots, and achieved a 94% passing accuracy. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the attack, helping to create one of the most dangerous chances of the match.

9. William Saliba (Arsenal)

In 2023-24: 2 goals, 1 assist, 29 clean sheets.

For the second season in a row, William Saliba has consistently demonstrated top-level performance at Arsenal and with the French national team. 

Saliba excels in almost every aspect of the central defender’s game. He showcases exceptional strength in 1v1 situations and has an excellent reading of the game, whether in high pressing or a low defensive block.

During Euro 2024, he played nearly flawlessly, effectively preventing opponents from getting past him. If the French midfielders had been more active and compact, William Saliba would likely have had more opportunities to showcase his abilities. Nonetheless, he is currently one of the best central defenders in world football.

8. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

In 2023-24: 27 goals, 14 assists.

At the start of the 2023-24 season, Cole Palmer was already making a name for himself with goals in the UEFA Super Cup and the FA Super Cup. He scored crucial goals for Manchester City in both games, but that didn’t convince Josep Guardiola to keep the English attacking midfielder.

Palmer moved to Chelsea and instantly became a key player in Mauricio Pochettino’s crisis-hit team. Throughout the season, almost the entire attacking game of the London club was built through Palmer. 

He created combinations with his teammates, performed penetrating passes into the penalty area, and took shots on goal from both close and long distances.

Amazingly, the player who was transferred for only 47 million euros became the best player at his new club. He made a difference on numerous occasions for a shaky Chelsea, and one can only imagine how he will perform if the team plays in a more structured and stable manner for the rest of 2024.

7. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

In 2023-24: 21 goals, 21 assists. Won Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.

Florian Wirtz is undoubtedly the best player in the German Bundesliga in 2024. His creativity and terrific ability to create opportunities in tight spaces allowed Leverkusen to win even the most challenging matches on numerous occasions.

Wirtz’s substitute appearance against Spain in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 will remain one of the most memorable moments of the tournament. In fact, Florian Wirtz caused significant problems for the Spaniards and almost led Germany to the semifinal stage.

6. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

In 2023-24: 10 goals, 18 assists. Won Euro 2024.

At just 16 years, this young prodigy has already frequently made a significant impact in La Liga and Champions League matches. His impressive performance against Napoli and PSG caught the attention of football fans across Europe. 

If Barcelona had not lost to PSG in the Champions League quarterfinals, Yamal, despite his young age, could have been a strong contender for the title of the best player in the world this year.

At Euro 2024, Yamal clinched the title with Spain and was almost awarded the Player of the Tournament award, an honour that went to Rodri, which we will see later in this ranking. 

5. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)

In 2023-24: 35 goals, 8 assists. Won Copa America, Serie A and Supercoppa Italiana.

Lautaro Martinez had the best season of his career, scoring 24 goals in Serie A and winning the Italian league title with Inter. He was equally impressive on the international stage, scoring five goals in the Copa America to lead Argentina to victory.

Despite starting only twice for Scaloni’s team, Martinez made a significant impact, scoring winning goals against Canada, Chile, and Peru in the group stage. Lautaro also scored in the final match of the Copa America in the 112th minute, having come on just 16 minutes earlier.

Martinez is very effective in combinations and maneuvers, capable of scoring from any position using his head and both feet. His finishing ability this year has been exceptional, making Lautaro one of the best players in world football.

4. Rodri (Manchester City)

In 2023-24: 12 goals, 15 assists. Won Euro 2024, Premier League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

In the spring of 2023, Rodri scored the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final, emphasizing his importance for Manchester City. His long-range goals in crucial matches showcased his significance for the team. 

It is hard to imagine Manchester City’s domination of the English Premier League without the phenomenal play of the Spanish defensive midfielder.

Rodri’s clever passes, ability to control the game tempo, escalate play in the final third, powerful long-range strikes, and excellent play in pressing and counter-pressing made him a top contender for the Ballon d’Or 2023. However, he was ranked fifth on the list, surpassed by attacking superstars.

In Euro 2024, Rodri played all the key matches for Spain, with his defensive actions and precise passes proving vital for the Spanish national team. He is likely to be honoured not only as the best player in Euro 2024 but also potentially as the best player in the world this year.

3. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)

In 2023-24: 7 goals, 8 assists. Won Euro 2024, Champions League, La Liga and Supercopa de Espana.

Throughout previous seasons, Dani Carvajal faced criticism for his inconsistent defensive performances and underwhelming offensive contributions. However, in the 2023-24 season, Carvajal remarkably transformed into the world’s best fullback.

He consistently made crucial plays in the opposition’s final third, impacting important matches such as the 2024 Champions League final, while maintaining an impenetrable defense in his team’s half of the pitch.

Notably, Carvajal’s absence was sorely felt in the Euro 2024 semifinals, highlighting his significant influence in both defensive and offensive capacities. Subsequently, he delivered a flawless performance in the final, solidifying his status as one of the premier players of 2024.

2. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

In 2023-24: 26 goals, 12 assists. Won Champions League, La Liga and Supercopa de Espana.

Vinicius Jr did not perform well in the Brazilian national team, which is currently facing a crisis. 

He also disrespected his opponents on multiple occasions, which resulted in his disqualification and absence from the crucial quarterfinal match against Uruguay.

However, Vinicius Jr played a critical role for Real Madrid in the Champions League. His contributions in the most important matches of the past season against Barcelona, Manchester City, and Bayern significantly influenced Madrid’s success.

It’s challenging to find a player in world soccer right now who can assist, score, and outperform opponents with the same high quality while maintaining great speed and agility.

1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

In 2023-24: 27 goals, 17 assists. Won Champions League, La Liga and Supercopa de Espana.

A lot has been written and said about Jude Bellingham this year as his assists and goals have made a significant impact at Real Madrid. 

However, it was incredibly challenging for Bellingham to prove himself in the England squad at Euro 2024, as he played under one of the most defensive coaches at the tournament.

Nonetheless, Jude scored one of the most beautiful and dramatic goals in European Championship history against Slovakia, which saved England from an early exit.

Jude Bellingham is a remarkably versatile player who excels in all phases of the game and in various styles.

He can adeptly engage in a tenacious high press or drop into a deeper position in the midfield line, where he becomes a formidable tackler. Additionally, Bellingham can outmaneuver opponents with powerful dribbling in both tight and open spaces.

Let’s not forget that he delivered precise assists in the Champions League final and in the Euro 2024 final. In my opinion, Jude Bellingham is currently the best player in the world.