Jude Bellingham becomes Ballon d’Or favorite once again after Vinicius Jr’s Copa America exit

Jude Bellingham might make an impressive leap from winning the Golden Boy award last year to the Ballon d'Or this year.

Jude Bellingham becomes Ballon d’Or favorite once again after Vinicius Jr’s Copa America exit

Jude Bellingham overtook Vinicius Jr. in the Ballon d'or power rankings. (via IMAGO)

English star Jude Bellingham has emerged as a Ballon d’Or favorite once again following Vinicius Jr.‘s exit from the Copa America knockout stages. Three Lions have progressed through to the semi-finals of the 2024 Euros.

England is set to face the Netherlands in the semi-finals this week, moving closer to the 2024 European title. It would also mean a redemption for the Three Lions at the Euros, after failing to win it against Italy, back in 2021. Jude Bellingham has become a key figure, scoring two crucial goals that propelled the team to the final four. His last-minute goal against Slovakia catapulted him to the top of the Ballon d’Or power rankings.

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Brazilian starlet Vinicius Jr. was the only potential rival to the Englishman this season, having scored 24 goals in 39 matches. However, the winger’s chances of securing the individual accolade have likely been diminished by Brazil’s early Copa America exit to Uruguay. Bellingham also had an outstanding season, winning the La Liga Player of the Year with 23 goals in 42 appearances. Additionally, the midfielder could eclipse Vinicius if he leads England to European glory.

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Both players were crucial to Real Madrid’s La Liga and UCL-winning campaign, setting up an interesting race for the Ballon d’Or title. If Bellingham wins, he would be the first player since Michael Owen in 2001 to claim the award.

Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. among players leading GOAL’s Ballon d’Or 2024 Power Rankings

Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. top a list of 20 players featured in GOAL‘s latest Ballon d’Or power rankings.

Rodri, Kroos, Mbappe and Foden
Rodri, Toni Kroos, Kylian Mbappe and Phil Foden are a part of the Ballon d’Or power rankings. (via IMAGO)

Several Real Madrid stars, including Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal, made it to GOAL’s recent list. Additionally, Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Florian Wirtz, and Lautaro Martinez also featured in the top ten.

The remaining ten players are Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, EPL stars Erling Haaland, Bukayo Saka, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk, along with Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, and Jamal Musiala. Eight-time winner and Argentine captain Lionel Messi is also included.

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