Ballon d'or power ranking

As Bayern Munich struggle, Harry Kane’s prospects are declining - while his England colleagues Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are improving.

The Golden Ball is up for grabs - who among the top players in the sport have a real shot at it, and who are just wishful thinkers?
Lionel Messi capped off a season where he finally won the World Cup by claiming his eighth Ballon d’Or in Paris last October. But the football world doesn’t stand still, and people are already speculating about who will be the 2024 winner.

Goal's top 20 Ballon d' or ranking

20. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) 

In the 2023-24 season, Lionel Messi made quite an impact for Inter Miami with 12 goals and five assists, securing victory in the Leagues Cup.
Now, the question arises: Can Messi clinch his ninth Ballon d’Or while playing exclusively in the Americas? It’s a formidable challenge. The MLS season has just kicked off, so Messi won’t have the chance to claim significant domestic titles during the 2024 award voting period.
However, if he can propel Miami to a strong position in the Eastern Conference, lead them deep into the CONCACAF Champions Cup (North America’s equivalent of the Champions League), and guide Argentina to victory in the 2024 Copa America, then perhaps all bets are off. Messi’s magic knows no bounds!

19. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

In the 2023-24 season, Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen has been a standout performer with eight goals and an impressive 19 assists. Leverkusen’s unbeaten run in the Bundesliga, their progress in the DFB-Pokal, and their strong position in the Europa League make them serious contenders for multiple trophies.
As the season unfolds, Ballon d’Or voters will closely watch the performances of Xabi Alonso’s key players. Florian Wirtz’s exceptional form, especially after recovering from a serious knee injury, positions him as one of the top candidates. His talent could also lead to a lucrative transfer worth over £100 million in the coming months. Additionally, he is likely to play a crucial role for the German national team in Euro 2024.

18.Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

In the 2023-24 season, Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City has contributed two goals and eight assists. Despite missing the entire first half of the season due to injury, De Bruyne remains a formidable contender for the Ballon d’Or.
Since his return in January, the 32-year-old midfielder has displayed excellent form. If he can maintain his fitness, he will play a crucial role in Manchester City’s pursuit of repeating their treble-winning success from the 2022-23 campaign. Additionally, De Bruyne will lead Belgium’s charge in the European Championships, where they have a decent draw.

17. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)

In the 2023-24 season, Cristiano Ronaldo has been on fire for Al-Nassr, scoring an impressive 30 goals and providing 13 assists. Despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or shortlist last year, Ronaldo is determined to make a comeback.
While Al-Nassr may not clinch the Saudi Pro League title, Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess ensures he’s a strong contender for individual honors in his new club. Additionally, Al-Nassr’s progress to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League and the semi-finals of the King’s Cup keeps team trophies within reach.
On the international stage, Portugal enters Euro 2024 as one of the favorites, thanks to a favorable group-stage draw. Ronaldo, back in the lineup under Roberto Martinez, aims to shine in what could be his final major tournament.

16. Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

In the 2023-24 season, Rodrygo, the talented winger for Real Madrid, has made a significant impact with 13 goals and seven assists. Initially, his struggles were overshadowed by the excitement surrounding Jude Bellingham. However, Rodrygo’s thrilling resurgence helped fill the void left by Vinicius Jr during his injury absence, resulting in crucial match-winning performances.
If he continues this impressive form, Rodrygo could play a pivotal role in securing more honors for Madrid. Additionally, he has the potential to shine as a star player for Brazil in this summer’s Copa America.

15. Declan Rice (Arsenal)

In the 2023-24 season, Declan Rice of Arsenal has made quite an impact with four goals and six assists. Despite initial skepticism surrounding his £105 million ($137 million) transfer from West Ham, Rice has swiftly silenced any doubts through his superb performances.
Notably, the England international has been instrumental in bolstering Mikel Arteta’s defense. Beyond that, he has showcased his goal-scoring prowess with some stunning strikes. Recently, Rice has also excelled as a set-piece specialist, contributing to Arsenal’s reputation as a dead-ball experts in the Premier League.
Should Rice continue to shine, leading the Gunners to silverware this season and playing a pivotal role for a successful England team in the Euros, his Ballon d’Or candidacy becomes a realistic possibility.

14. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

In the 2023-24 season, Bernardo Silva of Manchester City has been in top form, contributing eight goals and seven assists. His impact extends beyond individual statistics, as he played a crucial role in Manchester City’s victories in the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
Bernardo is known for delivering standout performances in high-stakes matches. As Manchester City competes fiercely for the Premier League title and aims for back-to-back Champions League triumphs, his contributions will be closely watched. Notably, he scored upon the competition’s return during the knockout stages against FC Copenhagen.
On the international stage, Portugal’s impressive qualification for Euro 2024 saw Bernardo pulling the strings from midfield. If he continues to shine in Germany, he could position himself as a strong contender in the Ballon d’Or race. 

12. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

In the 2023-24 season, Antoine Griezmann has been a standout player for Atletico Madrid, scoring an impressive 19 goals and providing nine assists. His consistent high-level performances have not gone unnoticed, especially from the beginning of the 2022 World Cup through the end of 2023.
During the first half of the season, Griezmann’s form fueled Atletico’s dreams of domestic and European success. However, the Rojiblancos have faced challenges, slipping out of the title race and facing an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals. To truly contend for the Ballon d’Or, Griezmann will need to step up against Inter in the second leg and continue shining as a star performer for France in Euro 2024. 

11. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

In the 2023-24 season, Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool has been a force to be reckoned with. His impressive stats include four goals, two assists, and eight clean sheets. Despite doubts from some quarters, Van Dijk continues to prove himself as one of the world’s elite defenders.
At the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s defense, he radiates calmness as Liverpool aims for an unprecedented quadruple. Recently, he’s even contributed crucial goals, including a late winner in the Carabao Cup final.
As captain of the Netherlands, Van Dijk will lead his team in Euro 2024. While they may not be favorites, his top-notch form suggests they shouldn’t be underestimated—they have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament.

10. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

In the 2023-24 season, Bukayo Saka has been a driving force for Arsenal, scoring an impressive 16 goals and providing 12 assists. Contrary to expectations, Arsenal has maintained their form after last season’s title-race disappointment, and Saka has played a pivotal role in their resurgence.
Starting 2024 with electric performances, Saka has netted seven goals in his last five league matches, propelling Arsenal to their best form of the campaign. While they face a challenge in the Champions League after a narrow loss to Porto in the last-16 first leg, Saka’s impact remains crucial.
For Saka to be a true contender for the Ballon d’Or, guiding Arsenal to a Premier League or Champions League title would be significant. Additionally, a strong performance in the Euros with the Three Lions could further bolster his chances.

9. Lautaro Martinez (Inter)

In the 2023-24 season, Lautaro Martinez has been a force to be reckoned with. His impressive stats include 25 goals and five assists. As a striker for Inter, he has been averaging almost a goal per game in Serie A, significantly contributing to their strong performance.
Inter is not only dominating the domestic league (Scudetto) but also making strides in the Champions League. Their status as last season’s runners-up positions them as dark horses in the race for the European Cup at Wembley in June.
On the international front, Martinez will represent Argentina in the Copa America, aiming for a third-successive major tournament victory. His impact both at the club and national level makes him a true contender.

8. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid) 

In the 2023-24 season, Vinicius Jr. has been a key player for Real Madrid, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists. Despite a slow start due to injury, he has regained his form and is now performing at his best level.
Vinicius made a significant impact by netting a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. His stunning goal against Girona also contributed to Madrid’s success, positioning them as strong contenders for the La Liga title.
Additionally, Vinicius is expected to lead Brazil’s attack in the Copa America, especially after Neymar’s unfortunate season-ending knee injury. His performances on both club and international stages make 2024 a memorable year for him.

7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) 

In the 2023-24 season, Mohamed Salah has been in sensational form for Liverpool, scoring an impressive 24 goals and providing 13 assists. Despite Liverpool’s struggles last season, Salah narrowly missed out on the top 10 in the 2023 Ballon d’Or voting.
The ‘Egyptian King’ now has a real chance of contending for the prestigious award if he can maintain his fitness and continue his brilliant performances in the second half of the campaign. While the absence of Champions League football might impact his candidacy, winning the Premier League with the Reds could certainly bolster his chances.
Unfortunately, Salah’s injury during the Africa Cup of Nations prevented him from enjoying the same international success as some of his rivals. Nevertheless, his impact remains significant, both at the club and potentially on the global stage.

6. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

In the 2023-24 season, Harry Kane has been on fire for Bayern Munich, scoring an impressive 35 goals and providing nine assists. His move to Bayern was expected to bring him closer to that elusive first trophy of his career.
However, Bayern now faces the risk of finishing the season without any silverware. They trail Bayer Leverkusen by eight points in the Bundesliga, and their Champions League campaign requires a comeback against Lazio in the last 16.
Despite Bayern’s challenges, Kane’s goal-scoring prowess remains remarkable. He averages more than a goal per game in the league, defending the champions’ honor. But the question lingers: If he doesn’t secure a club season winners’ medal, can leading England to glory at Euro 2024 propel him toward his first Ballon d’Or? 

5. Rodri (Manchester City)

In the 2023-24 season, Rodri has been a pivotal player for Manchester City, contributing seven goals and seven assists. His impact extends beyond individual statistics: Man City has not experienced defeat in over a year when Rodri is on the field. Notably, they have lost all three Premier League games that he missed this season.
Rodri’s reputation as the best defensive midfielder in the world remains almost unquestioned. His ability to score crucial goals, such as his recent equalizer against Chelsea, further enhances his profile. As fans and Ballon d’Or voters take notice, Rodri’s influence continues to grow.

4. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

In the 2023-24 season, Phil Foden has been a standout player for Manchester City, scoring an impressive 17 goals and providing 10 assists. His remarkable performances have come at a crucial time, especially with Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland facing injury setbacks.
Foden’s impact extends beyond individual statistics. As Man City competes for multiple trophies, his contributions have been pivotal. Additionally, his form positions him as a strong contender for a starting role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign. 

3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) 

In the 2023-24 season, Erling Haaland has been a force to be reckoned with for Manchester City, scoring an impressive 25 goals and providing six assists. His remarkable performances nearly secured the 2023 Ballon d’Or, yet he narrowly missed out.
Now fully recovered from injury, Haaland is gradually returning to peak form for City. If they continue their winning ways, with their No. 9 netting crucial goals, it could propel Haaland toward the Ballon d’Or.
However, a significant hurdle remains: Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024 means Haaland will miss the major summer tournament. If another contender shines in Germany, Haaland’s potential heroics might fade from memory during the voting process.

2. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

Kylian Mbappé, the talented French forward, has had an impressive 2023-24 season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His remarkable performance includes 38 goals and 13 assists, and he also secured the Trophée des Champions.
However, the football world anticipates a significant change for Mbappé. His prolonged transfer saga is nearing its conclusion, and it’s widely expected that he will soon join Real Madrid. This season may mark his final campaign for PSG, and fans eagerly await official confirmation of his move to the Spanish club.
Despite the impending transfer, Mbappé continues to shine on the field. PSG currently leads in Ligue 1, positioning themselves well to defend their title. Additionally, their 2-0 first-leg victory over Real Sociedad in the Champions League Round of 16 puts them in a favorable position for the quarter-finals.
As for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, Mbappé’s chances lie in maintaining his prolific goal-scoring form. Another season with 50+ goals for PSG, coupled with leading France to European Championship glory in Germany during the summer, could solidify his bid for the coveted award. Football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the unfolding of this exciting chapter in Mbappé’s career.

1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) 

Jude Bellingham, now a key player for Real Madrid, has been nothing short of sensational in the 2023-24 season. His 21 goals and 11 assists have catapulted him to the forefront of world football. Since his arrival at the Spanish club, he has made an impact akin to that of Cristiano Ronaldo during his time there.
Bellingham’s goals have not only been frequent but also crucial. His double in the El Clásico match against Barcelona in November and his brace against Girona, which was deemed a title-decider in early February, stand out as defining moments.
Unfortunately, a recent injury has sidelined Bellingham, and Real Madrid has noticeably missed his presence. His importance to Carlo Ancelotti’s side cannot be overstated.
Looking ahead, Bellingham’s current form bodes well for England’s prospects in the upcoming European Championship. If he maintains this level of performance, England may finally overcome their major tournament challenges. While there’s still a long road ahead, Bellingham is undoubtedly the man to watch right now.

Conclusion

The competition will be fierce. Besides the regular highs and lows of the European club season, this is a year that will feature many of the world’s top players in international competitions, such as the Euro 2024 and the Copa America this summer.