Ballon d’Or 2024: A Comprehensive Overview
The Ballon d’Or, widely regarded as the most prestigious individual award in football, is currently experiencing a surge in popularity in South Africa, as evidenced by its rapid rise on Google Trends ZA. In this article, we will delve into the history, criteria, and potential contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.
History of the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or was first awarded in 1956 to Sir Stanley Matthews, an English footballer who played for Blackpool. Initially, the award was only open to European players, but in 1995, it was expanded to include players from all over the world. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award in recent years, each winning it seven times.
Criteria for Winning the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or is awarded to the player who has performed the best during the previous calendar year. The criteria used to determine the winner include individual performance, team success, and overall conduct on and off the field. A panel of journalists from around the world vote to decide the winner.
Potential Contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or
With two years remaining until the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, it is still too early to definitively say who will be the frontrunners. However, based on current form and recent achievements, several players stand out as potential contenders:
- Karim Benzema (Real Madrid): The reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Benzema has continued to excel for Real Madrid, leading them to victory in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League. His goal-scoring prowess and exceptional overall play make him a strong contender for another Ballon d’Or.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The Norwegian striker has taken the Premier League by storm since joining Manchester City in the summer of 2022. His incredible goalscoring record and ability to create chances for his teammates make him a leading candidate for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
- Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): Despite PSG’s disappointing campaign in the Champions League, Mbappé has continued to shine for both club and country. His pace, skill, and finishing ability make him one of the most dangerous attackers in the world.
- Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain): Although Messi is now in the twilight of his career, he remains a world-class player. His ability to create and score goals consistently makes him a contender for any individual award.
- Luka Modrić (Real Madrid): The Croatian midfielder has been a key part of Real Madrid’s success in recent years. His passing range, vision, and leadership make him a valuable asset to any team.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ballon d’Or award is still two years away, but the race for the prestigious prize is already heating up. With several world-class players in contention, it is sure to be an exciting and closely contested affair. The criteria, history, and potential contenders for the award have all been discussed in this comprehensive overview.
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Please search for “ballon d’or 2024” which is rapidly rising on Google Trends ZA and explain in detail. Answers should be in English.
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