Ballon d’Or winner odds: Vinicius Junior firm favourite for award

With the new domestic season now up and running all across Europe, the race to be named the world’s best player is beginning to heat up. 

This year’s Men's Ballon d'Or ceremony is due to take place on Monday, 28 October, in Paris, and none of the usual suspects are at the head of the betting.

With the coveted gong soon to be up for grabs, let's take a look at the players who are considered most likely to be crowned the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.

Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior has been installed as the overwhelming 4/9 favourite on Betfred to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The Brazilian star has emerged from Karim Benzema's shadow to become Real Madrid's main man.

He inspired the Spanish giants to a La Liga and Champions League double last season, racking up 24 goals and 10 assists in the process. On top of this, he consistently showed that he is Real's man for the big occasion, netting twice away to Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final before scoring the crucial second goal during Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Wembley final.

While Vinicius has yet to get on the scoresheet in three appearances this season, he has provided two assists, one of which was in Real Madrid’s recent Super Cup success. 

Rodri

After inspiring Spain to Euro 2024 glory earlier this summer, Rodri has cemented his status as the finest midfielder on the planet. The 28-year-old was the driving force at the heart of La Roja’s engine room in Germany and his performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

Furthermore, the midfield maestro was arguably the most important member of Man City’s squad en route to their record-breaking fourth Premier League title in a row last season. As such, Rodri is the 9/4 second favourite on Bet 365 to become the first Spanish player to pick up the prestigious Ballon d'Or honour since 1960.

Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham enjoyed a stunning first season in the Spanish capital with Real Madrid and is next in the running at 14/1 on Bet 365. The 20-year-old made a seamless transition to one of the biggest clubs in the world and was pivotal in their all-conquering La Liga and Champions League triumphs.

Bellingham banged in 23 goals in all competitions and ended his maiden campaign in Spain with 13 assists to his name. 

While the Stourbridge-born star was heavily criticised for his performances at Euro 2024, his stunning last-gasp overhead-kick equaliser against Slovakia will go down as one of the most iconic goals in the tournament's history.

Dani Carvajal

Dani Carvajal has emerged as a surprise candidate to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award at the best price of 18/1 on Bet 365. The Spanish right-back enjoyed one of his best seasons last term in what is fast becoming an ever-growing glittering career. 

Carvajal – a key cog for both club and country – won La Liga, the Champions League and Euro 2024 all within the space of two months. He also confirmed himself as a Real Madrid legend by scoring the opening goal in last season’s Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.   

Lamine Yamal

After starring in Spain’s run to a historic fourth European Championship title, 17-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal has burst into the Ballon d'Or conversation as a 28/1 shot. The Barcelona boy wonder bagged the tournament's Best Young Player award and his stunning strike against France was named the Goal of the Tournament. 

While Yamal already seems destined to win the coveted accolade at some point in his career, getting his hands on the 2024 award may be a stretch too far.

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