With the domestic league seasons winding down and as we enter into two major International tournaments this summer, there is a piece of hardware that appears up for grabs to whoever wants it.
The race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or is unlike anything we've seen before considering we are at the twilight of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's careers.
Instead, we have plenty of fresh young faces vying for the award with Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham tabbed as the favorite.
Join me as I break down the soccer odds for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
2024 Ballon d'Or odds
| Player Name |  |
|---|---|
 Jude Bellingham |
+325 |
 Kylian Mbappe |
+343 |
 Harry Kane |
+536 |
 Erling Haaland |
+582 |
| Phil Foden |
+975 |
 Lionel Messi |
+1,157 |
| Kevin de Bruyne |
+1,577 |
| Vinicius Junior |
+1,944 |
 Mohamed Salah |
+2,466 |
| ⚽ Cristiano Ronaldo | +6,200 |
Odds as of 4/19/24
Bet on soccer at TonyBet
One of Canada’s favourite sportsbooks for soccer, join TonyBet, which offers a 100% deposit match (up to $350) for new bettors!
Not available in Ontario.
2024 Ballon d'Or favorites
Jude Bellingham Ballon d'Or odds (+325)
After a big-money move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid at the young age of 20, many had doubts about the youngster's ability to handle the pressure.
Well, Bellingham is now the uncontested leader of a very good Real Madrid side and he's ready to lead England into battle at this summer's Euro Cup.
Bellingham has been a force in the midfield both defensively and moving forward, scoring 13 goals over his first 13 fixtures in a Madrid shirt.
He's cooled off a bit offensively, but his role in getting Madrid to the top of the La Liga standings and into the Champions League semifinals cannot be understated. Just look at this sublime touch to set up Madrid's opening goal vs. Man City:
Jude Bellingham’s first touch for Real Madrid's goal! ✨ pic.twitter.com/tGwCEWZ6du
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) April 19, 2024
He's the betting favorite and with good reason.
Kylian Mbappe Ballon d'Or odds (+343)
There's not much Kylian Mbappe hasn't accomplished in his young career, so it's a bit unfortunate that he's not yet won this prestigious award.
At age 25, Mbappe is a World Cup winner, has scored a hat trick in a second World Cup final, is soon to be a seven-time French Ligue 1 winner, and will finish this season as Ligue 1's top scorer for the third straight season.
Perhaps winning the Champions League would bolster his case.
Mbappe has been a driving force in the Parisians' venture into the semifinals, scoring eight timely goals in 10 matches.
If Mbappe can lead PSG to European glory and then find success at Euro 2024, that may be enough to cement his status as an all-time great.
Or maybe he's just waiting to win it on a new team next season:
🚨 Kylian Mbappé’s future is settled and his decision is made. There are no doubts.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 18, 2024
The player will join Real Madrid.
(Source: @FabrizioRomano) pic.twitter.com/1Szpd7nzYo
Harry Kane Ballon d'Or odds (+536)
Is Harry Kane a jinx?
This is what Bayern Munich supporters must be asking themselves as the team saw their 11-year reign as German champions dashed by Bayer Leverkusen. This after Kane fled Tottenham in search of greener pastures and trophies.
However, one would be foolish to blame Kane as he's having an incredible season for Bayern.
The English striker has netted 32 goals and assisted 7 in 29 matches thus far while adding seven goals and three assists in 10 Champions League fixtures.
There are plenty of Kane doubters hoping to see him fail, but just look what's at stake for Kane's reputation:
Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid is a legacy defining game for Harry Kane (for casuals, the people who enjoy the sport already know how good he is).
— B. (@InvertTheWing) April 19, 2024
But if he performs, against a team with the calibre of Real Madrid, on the biggest stage, I do not want to hear the "bottler"… https://t.co/u17PRmaCaD pic.twitter.com/zmZmdew9jh
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
Jude Bellingham is the favorite at +325, with Kylian Mbappe (+343) and Harry Kane (+536) 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.
