A New Era in Soccer: The 2024 Ballon d’Or and the End of a Dominant Rivalry
Mumbai, October 27: As the curtains are set to rise on the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday, the absence of soccer giants Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly be a striking feature of the event. For over 16 years, this duo has captivated fans and dominated the football scene, with their combined tally of 13 Ballon d’Or awards setting a benchmark that redefined greatness in the sport. However, neither Messi nor Ronaldo finds themselves nominated this year, leaving a palpable void in the narrative of soccer excellence.
The shift in leadership within the sport is highlighted by the emergence of new contenders. Currently, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior stands at the forefront, having displayed extraordinary talent, particularly evidenced by his recent sensational hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. He’s touted to become the first Ballon d’Or winner born in the 21st century, marking a significant milestone in the award’s storied history.
Award-winning author Jonathan Wilson captured the sentiment surrounding this transition: “It’s interesting that as it starts to come to an end, we are sort of saying, what’s the next equivalent rivalry going to be.” The truth is that the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo was unprecedented, setting a standard that future generations may find challenging to replicate. While fresh faces like Vinicius Junior are rising, the legacy of the previous era looms over them.
Vicente’s season has indeed been remarkable. Lucas Vazquez, his teammate at Real Madrid, asserted, “Vinicius had an incredible season where he was a key player… he proved he’s the best player in the world.” With such recognition comes the hope that he will not just win the award but also herald a new age in soccer, moving past the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo. However, it seems likely that the Ballon d’Or may return to a time when winners were more sporadic, as evidenced by the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, and others, all of whom only won the award once.
Reflecting on how the award landscape has changed, Wilson reminded us of the rarity of back-to-back winners prior to Messi’s exceptional run. Notably, the last player to achieve this was Marco van Basten in 1988 and 1989. Messi’s record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or, following his exploits at the 2022 World Cup, only emphasizes how extraordinary his career has been.
Yet the birth years of the nominees paint a vivid picture of transition. Messi and Ronaldo were both born in the ’80s, and although newcomers like Vinicius Junior, who helped Madrid clinch a record-extending 15th European title, are now stepping into the limelight, soccer is poised on the brink of generational change.
Among the rising stars are Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Lamine Yamal, each representing hope for the future of soccer. Rodri from Manchester City stands as the second favorite for the Ballon d’Or this year and would become the first player born in the ’90s to achieve this accolade. Born in 1998, Mbappe is frequently regarded as a potential successor to the Messi-Ronaldo throne.
Historically, the award has favored players born in the ’80s, with Robert Lewandowski notoriously overlooked in 2020 despite being widely considered the best player that year. As the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, there’s a growing sense of excitement about what the future holds, particularly with superstars like Mbappe and Haaland ready to potentially redefine greatness in football.
The Ballon d’Or award, organized by France Football, has been a ritual in soccer since 1956, yet the impact of social media has dramatically amplified its visibility and importance. Not only do players vie for this recognition, but it has also become a crucial talking point in transfer negotiations, with clubs negotiating clauses tied to potential wins of this prestigious honor.
While Vinicius Junior appears in pole position this year, the fierce competition and the potential for emerging rivalries, particularly between Mbappe and Haaland, could vitalize the narrative of soccer’s greatest player. “That whole idea of rivalries… is just such a big part of football now,” reflected author Matt Oldfield. The sporting community seems ready to pivot towards a new chapter, one that could enthrall fans and capture the essence of competition in a way only soccer can.
As we stand on the cusp of this transition, it’s clear that while Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry may have reached its conclusion, the beautiful game is far from losing its capacity for drama and brilliance. From the glories of the past to the promising stars of the future, soccer is poised for another thrilling era.
