The 2024 Ballon d'Or is set to be awarded today in Paris, France and it won't be without controversy.
Long-time favorite, Vinicius Junior is no longer in the running for the prestigious award, and as such, no Real Madrid representatives will attend proceedings.
So who will be crowned the best player in Europe for 2024?
Join me as I break down the soccer odds for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
2024 Ballon d'Or odds
| Player Name |  |
|---|---|
 Vinicius Junior |
OTB |
| Jude Bellingham |
OTB |
| Toni Kroos |
OTB |
 Kylian Mbappe |
OTB |
 Harry Kane |
OTB |
 Phil Foden |
OTB |
| Rodrigo |
OTB |
 Lionel Messi |
OTB |
 Florian Wirtz |
OTB |
Odds as of 10/28/24
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2024 Ballon d'Or favorites
Vinicius Junior Ballon d'Or odds (OTB)
Reports started to surface this morning about Real Madrid superstar, Vinicius Junior being informed he was not going to win this year's Ballon d'Or award:
🚨 BREAKING: Vinicius Jr will NOT travel to Paris as Real Madrid know he will NOT win the Ballon d’Or.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2024
No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham. pic.twitter.com/qN9PaYjmR0
Real Madrid had an incredible year for both club and country. He helped Real Madrid win both La Liga and the Champions League and he was the focal point for a rather disappointing Brazil side at Copa America. He's been labeled as the best winger in the world, so not winning this award will be a shock, and one people will call a robbery.
Who will win the 2024 Ballon d'Or?
So if Vinicius Junior isn't going to win, who is?
Rodri
Rodri is the presumable favorite to win this year's award thanks to his contributions to Man City's treble last year. An everpresent in the midfield, Rodri contribute both goals and assists, in addition to being one of the best midfielders the game has to offer.
Kylian Mbappe
While Kylian Mbappe hasn't done anything to lose the award, he certainly hasn't done anything to win it. He was good, not great last season at PSG, and his Euro 2024 tournament was less than stellar. If — and this is a big if — this is a popularity contest, Mbappe might steal it.
Harry Kane
The English skipper marked his move to Bayern Munich by scoring a career-high in goals and also captained England to the Euro 2024 final, where he was on the mark a few times throughout the tournament. Given the production, but lack of success, Kane just misses out this year.
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.
