Raphinha's Ballon D'Or 2024 Shortlist: Five Players To Watch

James

3 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Raphinha's Ballon d'Or 2024 Shortlist: Five Players to Watch

The Ballon d'Or 2024 is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, and with Raphinha's inclusion on the shortlist, the excitement is palpable. While the final list remains shrouded in secrecy, speculation is rife, and several players have already cemented their places as potential contenders. But beyond Raphinha, who are the five players to truly watch out for in this prestigious award race?

The Ballon d'Or, awarded annually to the best male football player in the world, is a coveted accolade. This year's shortlist promises a fierce battle, with a blend of established superstars and rising talents vying for the golden ball. Let's delve into five players who could steal the show:

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The Norwegian goal-scoring machine is a frontrunner. His prolific season with Manchester City, smashing numerous records, makes him a strong contender. His impact on the Champions League, culminating in a potential title win, will be a crucial factor. Haaland’s raw power and clinical finishing have redefined the striker's role, making him a serious threat to win the Ballon d'Or. [Link to Haaland's stats]

2. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): A perennial Ballon d'Or contender, Mbappé's consistency and breathtaking skill remain unmatched. His performances for both club and country are consistently exceptional. While the absence of a Champions League win might hinder his chances, his overall impact and goal-scoring prowess ensure he's a player to watch closely. [Link to Mbappé's recent performances]

3. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF): While his move to Inter Miami CF might be a surprise to some, Messi's impact on the MLS and his continued world-class performances keep him in the conversation. His World Cup win in 2022 is still fresh in everyone’s minds, a testament to his enduring legacy. [Link to Messi's MLS debut statistics]

4. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): The orchestrator of Manchester City's midfield, De Bruyne’s playmaking abilities are second to none. His vision, passing range, and crucial assists make him a pivotal player in City's success. A Champions League victory would significantly boost his chances. A midfielder winning the Ballon d'Or is less common, but De Bruyne’s influence on the game is undeniable. [Link to De Bruyne's assist record]

5. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): The young English midfielder has already made a significant impact at Real Madrid. His maturity, tactical awareness, and box-to-box dynamism place him among football's rising stars. While winning the Ballon d'Or in his first season at Real Madrid is a long shot, Bellingham's potential is immense, and he’s a player to watch for future awards. [Link to Bellingham's Real Madrid debut]

Raphinha's Contention: While the aforementioned players are considered top contenders, Raphinha’s inclusion on the shortlist showcases his impressive talent and growing influence. His contributions to both club and country will undoubtedly be scrutinized as the voting period approaches. A strong performance in upcoming tournaments and a successful season with his club could propel him further up the ranks.

Conclusion: The Ballon d'Or 2024 promises to be a fiercely contested battle. While predicting the winner remains difficult, keeping an eye on these five players, along with Raphinha, is crucial for any football fan eager to witness the crowning of the world's best. Who do you think will win? Share your predictions in the comments below!