With the domestic league seasons winding down and as we enter into two major International tournaments on the horizon, there is a piece of hardware that appears up for grabs to whoever wants it.
The race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or is unlike anything we've seen before considering we are at the twilight of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's careers.
Instead, we have plenty of fresh young faces vying for the award with Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior now the betting favorite.
Join me as I break down the soccer odds for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
2024 Ballon d'Or odds
| Player Name |  |
|---|---|
 Vinicius Junior |
+120 |
| Jude Bellingham |
+349 |
 Kylian Mbappe |
+698 |
 Harry Kane |
+698 |
| Toni Kroos |
+1,596 |
 Lionel Messi |
+1,994 |
 Phil Foden |
+1,994 |
| Rodrigo |
+1,944 |
 Florian Wirtz |
+1,994 |
| Kevin De Bruyne |
+3,390 |
Odds as of 5/14/24
Bet on soccer at TonyBet
One of Canada’s favourite sportsbooks for soccer, join TonyBet, which offers a 100% deposit match (up to $350) for new bettors!
Not available in Ontario.
2024 Ballon d'Or favorites
Vinicius Junior Ballon d'Or odds (+120)
In a bit of a shocking twist, Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior has shot up the Ballon d'Or odds after helping lead his team to not only the La Liga title but a spot in the Champions League Final which is set for June 1.
His odds have shortened from +1,944 to +120 and if he can find a way to contribute in a big way to Brazil's success at this summer's Copa America, this may be the best price you will get.
Vini has found the scoresheet 13 times in La Liga play while scoring five and setting up five in nine Champions League appearances.
He's not only a fan favorite, but beloved by his teammates:
🚨🇧🇷| Real Madrid's dressing room has begun the campaign for Vinicius Junior to 𝗪𝗜𝗡 the Ballon d’Or.
— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) May 13, 2024
(via @marca) pic.twitter.com/unXdYS5AX5
Jude Bellingham Ballon d'Or odds (+349)
After a big-money move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid at the young age of 20, many had doubts about the youngster's ability to handle the pressure.
Well, Bellingham is now the uncontested leader of a very good Real Madrid side and he's ready to lead England into battle at this summer's Euro Cup.
Bellingham has been a force in the midfield both defensively and moving forward, scoring 13 goals over his first 13 fixtures in a Madrid shirt.
He's cooled off a bit offensively, but his role in helping Madrid win La Liga and get into the Champions League Final cannot be understated. Just look at this sublime touch to set up Madrid's opening goal vs. Man City:
Jude Bellingham’s first touch for Real Madrid's goal! ✨ pic.twitter.com/tGwCEWZ6du
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) April 19, 2024
With the rise of Vini's campaign, Bellingham's odds have lengthened to +349 from +325.
Kylian Mbappe Ballon d'Or odds (+698)
There's not much Kylian Mbappe hasn't accomplished in his young career, so it's a bit unfortunate that he's not yet won this prestigious award.
At age 25, Mbappe is a World Cup winner, has scored a hat trick in a second World Cup final, is a seven-time French Ligue 1 winner, and is Ligue 1's top scorer for the third straight season.
However, he failed to deliver in the Champions League once again, but finding success at Euro 2024 could go a long way in his case this year.
Or maybe he's just waiting to win it on a new team next season:
🚨 Kylian Mbappé’s future is settled and his decision is made. There are no doubts.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 18, 2024
The player will join Real Madrid.
(Source: @FabrizioRomano) pic.twitter.com/1Szpd7nzYo
Harry Kane Ballon d'Or odds (+698)
Is Harry Kane a jinx?
This is what Bayern Munich supporters must be asking themselves as the team saw their 11-year reign as German champions dashed by Bayer Leverkusen. This after Kane fled Tottenham in search of greener pastures and trophies.
However, one would be foolish to blame Kane as he's having an incredible season for Bayern.
The English striker has netted 36 goals and assisted 8 in 32 matches thus far while adding eight goals and four assists in 12 Champions League fixtures.
Much like his English counterpart, a good showing at Euro 2024 and success with England could bolster Kane's case.
What is the Ballon d'Or?
The Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) is the world's most prestigious men's soccer honor, awarded every year by France Football magazine. The Ballon d'Or is given to the player, worldwide, judged to have had the best individual season both at club level, as well as for his country.
When is the Ballon d'Or awarded?
The Top 3 for the honor will be revealed on September 6 with the winner announced at the 68th annual Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on Monday, October 28.
Previous winners of the Ballon d'Or
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Lionel Messi |
| 2022 | Karim Benzema |
| 2021 | Lionel Messi |
| 2019 | Lionel Messi |
| 2018 | Luka Modric |
| 2017 | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| 2016 | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| 2015 | Lionel Messi |
| 2014 | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| 2013 | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| 2012 | Lionel Messi |
| 2011 | Lionel Messi |
Ballon d'Or FAQs
Vinicius Junior is the favorite at +120, with Jude Bellingham (+349) and Harry Kane (+698) in contention.
Lionel Messi has won the most Ballon d'Or trophies with eight, including three in the last four years.
Real Madrid and Barcelona lead the way with 12 winners each.
Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin (1963) remains the only goal keeper to win the award.
The Ballon d'Or will be awarded on Monday, October 28 at a soccer gala in Paris, France.
