Ballon d'Or: Meet the nominees for the 2024 award

The most anticipated moment in the football calendar has finally arrived for both footballers and spectators as they look forward to the unveiling of the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominees.

After a thrilling year of football, filled with remarkable performances, stunning goals, and unforgettable moments, the crème de la crème of the sport will be recognized for their exceptional talent and dedication. The organisers announced the shortlisted candidates for the prestigious award, after putting into consideration those who reached the pinnacle of individual achievement in the past football year which made them worthy candidates for the Ballon d'Or.

From the usual suspects to surprise entrants, this year's nominees promise to be a fascinating mix of established stars and rising talents. Fans, players, and coaches alike are eagerly awaiting the reveal, speculating about who will make the cut and ultimately claim the coveted Golden Ball.

A major omission from the nominated players was Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi; the duo was left out of the list of players who could win the award for the first time since 2003.

Who are the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominees?

Jude Bellingham ( Real Madrid, England)

Ruben Dias ( Manchester City, Portugal)

Phil Foden ( Manchester City, England)

Federico Valverde ( Real Madrid, Uruguay)

Eminialo Martinez ( Aston Villa, Argentina)

Erling Haaland ( Manchester City, Norway)

Nico Williams ( Athletic Bilbao, Spain)

Granit Xhaka ( Bayer Leverkusen, Switzerland)

Artem Dovbik ( AS Roma, Ukraine)

Toni Kross ( Real Madrid, Germany)

Florian Wirtz ( Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Martin Odegaard ( Arsenal, Norway)

Vinicius Jr ( Real Madrid, Brazil)

Matt Hummels ( Borussia Dortmund, Germany)

Dani Olmo ( Barcelona, Spain )

Rodri ( Manchester City, England)

Harry Kane ( Bayern Munich, England )

Declan Rice ( Arsenal, England)

Vitinha ( PSG, Portugal)

Cole Palmer ( Chelsea, England)

Dani Carvajal ( Real Madrid, Spain)

Lamine Yamal ( Barcelona, Spain)

Bukayo Saka ( Arsenal, England)

Hakan Calhanoglu ( Inter Milan, Turkey)

William Saliba ( Arsenal, France)

Kylian Mbappe ( Real Madrid, PSG, France)

Lautaro Martinez ( Inter Milan, Argentina)

Ademola Lookman ( Atalanta, Nigeria)

Antonio Rudiger ( Real Madrid, Germany)

Alejandro Grrmaldo ( Bayer Leverkusen, Spain)

When is the Ballon d'Or award ceremony?

The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on Monday, October 28, 2024.

Read the Latest Sports News and Get Fresh updates on X and Facebook