Surprising Developments in the 2024 Ballon d'Or Race
The highly anticipated announcement of the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is set to take place today, October 28, during a ceremony starting at 9:00 PM Mecca time. This year marks a significant shift in the award's history, as neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo is on the shortlist for the first time since 2007. According to an unconfirmed leak from the Daily Mail, Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior is poised to claim the prestigious title with 630 points, leading Manchester City's Rodri by 54 points.
In the top ranks, Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid sits in third, followed by Kylian Mbappe in fourth. Other notable players include Harry Kane in fifth and Erling Haaland, who surprisingly ranks sixth despite his impressive performance last season, scoring 38 goals for Manchester City. The leaked results have sparked discussions, particularly regarding Haaland's unexpected placement, leading some to question the criteria for this year's selection.
Unconfirmed Leaks and Conflicting Reports
Despite the leaked information suggesting Vinicius Junior's victory, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has cast doubt on these claims. He tweeted that Vinicius will not attend the ceremony, indicating that Real Madrid is aware he will not win the award. This revelation has raised eyebrows, as it contradicts the earlier leaks that positioned him as the frontrunner. Romano's tweet confirms that no representatives from Real Madrid, including key figures like Florentino Pérez and Carlo Ancelotti, will be present at the event.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or Voting Breakdown
The leaked voting results show a clear lead for Vinicius Junior, with Rodri following in second place, and Jude Bellingham in third. The complete breakdown reveals Vinicius Junior at 630 points, Rodri at 576 points, and Bellingham at 422 points. Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane also feature prominently in the rankings. The uncertainty surrounding the final outcome has created a buzz among fans and analysts alike, as the world awaits the official announcement of the winner.
