The French Football Federation released the list of nominees for this year’s Ballon d'Or race. The Ballon d'Or is the highest honor an individual player can win in the game of soccer. The Ballon d’Or is awarded to a player every fall based on that player's individual statistics and team success, which is weighed heavily when journalists cast their votes. Journalists from FIFA’s top 100 countries cast their votes for five players ranked one through five, with the player who received the most total votes receiving the Ballon d’Or and the title of Player of the Year. With 30 players being nominated for the award, let’s take a look at three players with the best odds to win the Ballon d’Or.
1. Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior had a phenomenal season capped off with his second UEFA Champions League win. Vinicius in 39 appearances across all club competitions scored 26 goals and recorded 10 assists for Real Madrid. Vinicius also represented his country in this year's Copa America, scouring 2 goals in 3 appearances. Vinicius comes in as the favorite as he leads the front line for the eventual Champions League winners and La Liga winners Real Madrid. Although Vinicius couldn’t help his country win the Copa America as rivals Argentina won the competition, his success this past season at the club level has him the favorite to win the award. Vinicius would be the first Brazilian player to win the award since KaKa won the award in 2007.
2. Rodri
Rodri has been considered amongst the best midfielders in the world ever since arriving in Manchester City in 2019 from Atletico Madrid. Rodri has helped Manchester City win four consecutive Premier League titles and also scoured the winning goal that helped guide the club to the 2023 Champions League title. Odds currently have the defensive midfielder as second favorite behind Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. Rodri has been labeled by many pundits as the best defensive midfielder in the world and his impressive record with Manchester City this past year was historic. Manchester City went 74 games unbeaten when Rodri was included in the lineup across 2023, lasting until City FA Cup final loss to cross-city rivals Manchester United. Rodri added to his claim for the Ballon d’Or, winning this past summer's Euros with Spain. Rodri comes with +187 odds to win the award. If Rodri would be the second midfielder to win the award in the last six winners.
3. Jube Bellingham
Jude Bellingham's first season at Real Madrid couldn’t have gone any better as the Englishman hit the ground running after his move away from German giants Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023. Bellingham who traditionally plays as a center midfielder, played more as an attacking midfielder under manager Carlo Ancelotti. Bellingham went on to score 23 goals across all competitions, setting a career high for himself passing his previous mark of 14 which he set during his last season in Germany. Bellingham alongside his teammate Vinicius Junior, guided Real Madrid to their record 15 UEFA Champions League title and also a record 36th La Liga title. Bellingham also helped guide the Three Lions to the final of Euro 2024 which they lost to Spain and fellow Ballon d’Or contender Rodri. Bellingham is currently sitting at +2000 odds to win the award behind Rodri’s +187 odds and favorite Vinicius Junior’s -250.
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