The 2024 Ballon d'Or Ceremony: Key Details
The highly anticipated 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place at 9:00 PM Mecca time (21:00) on October 28, 2024, at the prestigious "Du Chatelet" Theater in Paris, France. This year's event marks a significant collaboration between the Ballon d'Or and the European Football Association, merging the Best in Europe awards with the Golden Ball awards for the first time in over two decades. Notably, for the first time since 2002, football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will not be on the nominees list, highlighting a new era in football.
Broadcasting and Viewing Options
Fans around the world can catch the live broadcast of the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony on various channels, including beIN Sports NEWS HD and SSC Channel 4. Al Jazeera Net will also provide live coverage, ensuring that football enthusiasts do not miss this prestigious event.
Top Candidates for the Golden Ball
The French magazine "France Football" has nominated 30 players for this year's Ballon d'Or, with standout candidates including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham. Vinicius Junior, in particular, has emerged as a top contender, having scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 matches for Real Madrid, playing a crucial role in their Champions League victory and Spanish League title win. The Ballon d'Or has evolved significantly since its inception in the mid-1950s, transitioning from a European-only award to a global recognition of football excellence.