This football season might just be one of the best there’s ever been. There are multiple contenders for the title in Spain, England, and Germany, including some unexpected teams that might just pull off a fairytale victory. There have also already been more high-scoring, highly dramatic games in divisions across Europe, too. The general quality of team play has improved, and this has been supported by some truly wonderful individual performances from players who remind us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.
There’s still a long way to go before the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or is announced, but we have a sneaking suspicion that it’ll be awarded to one of the following players, who have all been in exceptional form for their teams so far this season.
Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid
Anyone who watched Jude Bellingham play for Dortmund last season knew he was going to be a world-class player, so it’s no surprise that Real Madrid forked out more than €100 million to sign the English midfielder. It was assumed, however, that Bellingham would need at least a couple of seasons at the Bernabeu to reach his full potential. But that’s not what’s happened. The 20-year-old got off to a great start at his new club and has already proven to be a vital player for Real Madrid. Due to his great performance with Los Blancos and important, game-winning goals, Bellingham is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or on online sports betting websites like Betano, and he’s also a big reason why England will go into Euro 2024 confident that they can finally win another trophy. With time on his side, there’s no telling what Bellingham can achieve in his career — or even this year.
Kylian Mbappe: Paris Saint Germain
That Kylian Mbappe will one day eventually win the Ballon d’Or is a given. And there’s every chance that it’ll be in 2024. The French superstar has been in sparkling form this season, racking up more than a goal a game. If he can lead France to glory in Euro 2024 and pick up a Champions League medal with Paris Saint Germain, the 24-year-old will be a shoo-in for the world’s most prestigious individual football trophy.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool
It wasn’t too long ago that outsiders were questioning Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ability. While his manager, teammates, and Liverpool supporters all knew that the footballer was a generational talent, there were major question marks about his defensive abilities from other quarters. Now, though, no one is doubting just how special of a player Alexander-Arnold is. His new hybrid role, in which he plays in both defence and attack during games, has allowed the Liverpool-born star to show off his extensive talents. He’s been vital to Liverpool’s resurgence as a title contender and has marked himself as not just one of the best players in Klopp’s team but one of the best in the world.
Harry Kane: Bayern Munich
Harry Kane finally left Tottenham in the summer in his quest to finally land a trophy. Bayern Munich, who routinely compete for the league, domestic cups, and the Champions League, seemed like as good a place as any to do it. He was billed as the replacement for goal-machine Robert Lewandowski, and the England captain has more than lived up to the task. He’s been scoring for fun, averaging more than a goal a game, and has notched up plenty of assists too. No one really thought Harry Kane would be anything other than a roaring success in Germany, and happily, that’s just what he’s done.
