The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, one of the most anticipated events in global football, is set for October 28, 2024. This annual award celebrates the best male and female players in the world, recognizing their achievements and contributions to the sport over the past year. As we approach the ceremony, excitement is building around who will claim the coveted trophies, with nominees like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham in the spotlight for the men’s category and Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and Sam Kerr for the women’s award.
Below, we’ll cover the schedule, top nominees, and details on how to watch the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Ballon d’Or 2024 Ceremony Schedule
- Date: Monday, October 28, 2024
- Time: The event is set to begin at 8:30 PM CET (Central European Time). For other regions:
- 2:30 PM ET (Eastern Time, U.S.)
- 7:30 PM BST (British Summer Time)
- 12:30 AM BST (October 29) (Bangladesh Time)
- Location: Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France
The ceremony will begin with red-carpet arrivals, where the world’s top players, coaches, and football icons will make their way into the venue. This will be followed by the main ceremony, where awards for Men’s Ballon d’Or, Women’s Ballon d’Or, Kopa Trophy (for best young player), and Yashin Trophy (for best goalkeeper) will be announced.
Key Awards and Nominees for Ballon d’Or 2024
1. Men’s Ballon d’Or Nominees
In 2024, competition for the Men’s Ballon d’Or is intense. These players have stood out across leagues and tournaments worldwide:
- Lionel Messi: After an impressive season with Inter Miami and a standout year with Argentina, Messi remains a top contender. If he wins, it would mark an astonishing eighth Ballon d’Or in his career.
- Erling Haaland: The Norwegian star had a record-breaking season with Manchester City, leading the team to several titles and setting new Premier League records.
- Kylian Mbappé: PSG’s sensation continued to shine in Ligue 1 and on the international stage, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities and leadership.
- Jude Bellingham: The young midfielder made a significant impact at Real Madrid, quickly becoming one of their key players with his consistent performances and technical brilliance.
2. Women’s Ballon d’Or Nominees
The Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees reflect a remarkable season for women’s football, particularly after the success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup:
- Aitana Bonmatí: A standout player for both Barcelona and Spain, Bonmatí’s performances have been instrumental in Spain’s World Cup victory.
- Alexia Putellas: Despite injury setbacks, Putellas’ contributions to Barcelona and the Spanish national team have kept her in the running.
- Sam Kerr: The Australian striker has been a powerhouse in the Women’s Super League with Chelsea and impressed globally with her World Cup performances.
3. Kopa Trophy
Awarded to the best young player (under 21), the Kopa Trophy sees talents like Jamal Musiala, Pedri, and Gavi vying for the title.
4. Yashin Trophy
This award for the best goalkeeper has nominees such as Marc-André ter Stegen, Emiliano Martínez, and Thibaut Courtois, each praised for their performances throughout the year.
How to Watch the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
For fans around the world, there are several options to watch the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony live:
- TV Broadcasts:
- L’Equipe TV: In France, the ceremony will be broadcast on L’Equipe TV, which covers red-carpet arrivals, interviews, and the awards in real time.
- ESPN (United States): ESPN often provides coverage for international events, including the Ballon d’Or. Check local listings for exact channels.
- BBC Sport (UK): BBC Sport will provide updates and possibly live-stream segments. They also typically share analysis and highlights post-ceremony.
- Streaming Platforms:
- Paramount+ (United States): Paramount+ subscribers may have access to live streaming of the ceremony. It’s recommended to verify beforehand as event coverage can vary.
- YouTube: The official Ballon d’Or YouTube channel may feature live streams or highlights after the event, along with backstage coverage.
- L’Equipe’s Official Website: For French audiences, L’Equipe’s official website often provides live streaming of the event.
- Social Media:
- Follow the Ballon d’Or official Twitter account and Instagram for real-time updates, photos, and live coverage highlights.
- Facebook Live: In previous years, live-streaming segments have been available on Facebook, covering red-carpet arrivals and post-ceremony interviews.
What to Expect at the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
This year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony promises to be memorable, with Lionel Messi potentially extending his legacy or a new champion rising, like Haaland or Mbappé. The women’s award is equally exciting, as players like Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas reflect the incredible talent in women’s football. Additionally, the Kopa Trophy and Yashin Trophy will highlight young talents and goalkeeping excellence.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ballon d’Or will be a celebration of football’s brightest stars, honoring the dedication, skill, and passion that define the sport. Fans worldwide can join in the excitement by tuning into any of the channels or streaming platforms mentioned. So, whether you’re a lifelong fan of Messi, a supporter of Haaland, or following women’s football, don’t miss the chance to watch history unfold at the Théâtre du Châtelet.
