The shortlist of 30 names for the 2024 Ballon d’Or has been announced, and it seems that England might face another setback against Spain.
At the end of the 2023/24 club season, English football had high hopes for Jude Bellingham to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, given his stellar performances leading to major titles like the Champions League and La Liga. Unfortunately, Bellingham achieved these feats with Real Madrid, a Spanish club.
Before the EURO 2024 final, the England star was seen as one of the top two contenders for the Ballon d’Or, alongside his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior. With Vinicius failing with Brazil in the Copa America, Bellingham’s chance seemed almost certain if England won the European Championship.
In reality, the former Borussia Dortmund star had a great opportunity, as England reached the final of the tournament held in Germany this past June and July. However, Bellingham couldn’t seize this opportunity due to England’s defeat to Spain.
While English football has made significant strides in recent years, thanks to improved youth development, the presence of top coaches in the Premier League, and Gareth Southgate’s success with the national team, it still may not be enough to surpass Spain in this individual competition.
England has six representatives on the Ballon d’Or 2024 shortlist: Bellingham, Phil Foden – the best player in the Premier League last season, Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Bukayo Saka.
However, whether this is enough to see an English player surpass Spanish contenders is questionable. Bellingham, the most anticipated, is currently injured and has shown signs of decline since the end of last season. Kane is excellent at scoring but only for his club, Foden had a disappointing EURO, Palmer needs more time, and Saka has not won any titles in the past year.
In contrast, Spain boasts Rodri, who was impressive throughout last season, helping Manchester City win the Premier League for the fourth consecutive time and leading La Roja to European Championship glory. Other Spanish names on the shortlist, such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Carvajal, Dani Olmo, and Alex Grimaldo, all had a highly successful 2023/24 campaign.
Since Michael Owen won the Ballon d’Or in 2001, England might have to wait a bit longer to claim this prestigious individual award. This year, it’s likely that Spain will once again emerge victorious.