Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham might both miss out on the Ballon d’Or

The race for the Ballon d’Or 2024 has heated up, with two clear frontrunners emerging: Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Both stars from Real Madrid have showcased exceptional performances this season, making significant contributions to their team’s successes.

Stellar Performances Fuel Real Madrid’s Success

Jude Bellingham, the young English midfielder, was pivotal in the early stages of the season. His dynamic play and leadership in the midfield have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. Bellingham’s ability to control the tempo, create chances, and score crucial goals has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s campaign.

On the other hand, Vinicius Junior has been a sensation in the latter part of the season. The Brazilian winger’s explosive pace, dribbling skills, and knack for scoring in critical moments have been a nightmare for defenders. His performances have not only helped Real Madrid in La Liga but also played a crucial role in their journey to the UEFA Champions League final.

Vinicius Junior has 23 goals and 11 assists, with Jude bagging 23 goals and 12 assists.

All Eyes on Wembley: The Champions League Final

Real Madrid’s progress to the UEFA Champions League final, set to be played at Wembley next month, has largely been driven by the contributions of Bellingham and Vinicius. Their performances on the grandest stage of European football have put them in the spotlight and made them favorites for the Ballon d’Or.

The new Ballon d’Or Voting Protocols

However, the Ballon d’Or might elude both stars due to the new voting protocols established in 2022. The award’s voting now considers performances from August to July, extending the evaluation period beyond the club season to include major international tournaments. This year’s European Championship and Copa America, both kicking off next month, will also influence the voting.

The Host Nation Myth

Interestingly, a peculiar trend has emerged in recent months where the host nations of major continental tournaments win. Côte d’Ivoire, hosting the African Cup of Nations, and Qatar, hosting the Asian Cup, both emerged as champions.

This trend has fueled speculation that Germany, the host of the upcoming European Championship, could also triumph. Should Germany win, it would significantly boost the chances of Toni Kroos, another Real Madrid star, in the Ballon d’Or race.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti was recently asked about the 33-year-olds chances of winning the Ballon D’Or following the win against Alaves. He replied: “Anything can happen, there are very important tournaments in the summer. Germany, with Kroos, are a team capable of winning the Euros. I think they can try to win the title.”

The Copa America Factor

In contrast, the 2024 Copa America being hosted in the USA casts doubt on Brazil’s chances of winning, following the trend that host nations often secure victory. This could impact Vinicius Junior’s Ballon d’Or hopes if Brazil falls short of expectations.

Conclusion: A Complex Battle

While Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are currently the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or, the outcome remains uncertain. The upcoming European Championship and Copa America will play a crucial role in determining the winner.

The trend of host nations winning major tournaments adds another layer of complexity to the race. As football fans eagerly await the results of these tournaments, the race for the Ballon d’Or 2024 promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory.