Mon Oct 28 21:18:42 UTC 2024: ## Ballon d’Or 2024: Vinicius Jr. Favored as Messi and Ronaldo Absent for First Time in 20 Years
**Paris, France** – The prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, set to take place tonight at the Châtelet Theatre, will see a historic absence: both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who hold a combined 13 Ballon d’Or wins, have been left off the nomination list for the first time in 20 years.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior is the current favorite to claim the title of world’s best player, potentially becoming the first winner born this century. He faces competition from Manchester City and Spain’s Rodri and Vinicius’s Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham.
The Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football magazine since 1956, is voted on by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings. Each journalist submits a ranked list of 10 players, with points awarded based on position.
The ceremony will also see the presentation of several other awards, including the Ballon d’Or Feminin (best women’s player), Kopa Trophy (best young footballer), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Gerd Muller Trophy (most goals scored), Socrates Award (humanitarian work), best men’s and women’s club of the year, and the best men’s and women’s coach of the year.
First Piper 