Ballon d’Or

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      Ballon d’Or 2024: Date, FREE stream, TV, nominees as Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr eye prestigious prize

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      EVERY footballer dreams of helping their club win trophies – but lifting the Ballon d’Or is the one individual award that tops all and the winner will be revealed TONIGHT!Lionel Messi picked up his eighth gong last year after leading Argentina to their first World Cup title win since 1986 during the 2022 competition.Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or last yearCredit: APHowever, it was seen as a controversial decision due to Messi’s underwhelming season at club level compared to Erling Haaland who fired Manchester City to an incredible Treble.Organisers are set to have an even tougher task in choosing the winners this time round with the likes of Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr having outstanding seasons for their club.Also, there a massive shouts for Rodri to get his hands on the after playing a vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.Either way, SunSport has all the information on when the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner will be announced.Read more on Ballon d’OrAnd you can keep scrolling to find out.When is the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner announced?The Ballon d’Or 2024 winner will be announced on Monday, October 28.It is scheduled to get underway at 7pm GMT, 2pm ET and 8pm local time.Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France is the allocated arena for this huge ceremony and it can host approximately 2,500 spectators.Where can I watch the Ballon d’Or 2024 for FREE?The Ballon d’Or 2024 awards ceremony will be streamed live for FREE on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel.What are the Ballon d’Or 2024 nominees?Below are the 30 players who have been nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham (England and Real Madrid)Ruben Dias (Portugal and Manchester City)Phil Foden (England and Manchester City)Federico Valverde (Uruguay and Real Madrid)Emiliano Martinez (Argentina and Aston Villa)Erling Haaland (Norway and Manchester City)Nico Williams (Spain and Athletic Bilbao)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland and Bayer Leverkusen)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine and Roma)Toni Kroos (former Germany and Real Madrid)Vinicius Jr (Brazil and Real Madrid)Dani Olmo (Spain and Barcelona)Florian Wirtz (Germany and Bayer Leverkusen)Martin Odegaard (Norway and Arsenal)Mats Hummels (Germany, free agent)Rodri (Spain and Manchester City)Harry Kane (England and Bayern Munich)Declan Rice (England and Arsenal)Vitinha (Portugal and Paris St-Germain)Cole Palmer (England and Chelsea)Dani Carvajal (Spain and Real Madrid)Lamine Yamal (Spain and Barcelona)Bukayo Saka (England and Arsenal)Hakan Calhanoglu (Turkey and Inter Milan)William Saliba (France and Arsenal)Kylian Mbappe (France and Real Madrid)Lautaro Martinez (Argentina and Inter Milan)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria and Atalanta)Antonio Rudiger (Germany and Real Madrid)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain and Bayer Leverkusen)What has been said?Real Madrid star Rodrygo is not happy with the nominations despite seeing his teammates selected to potentially win the Ballon d’Or.Rodrygo told ESPN regarding his snub: “I was upset, I think I deserved it. I don’t want to belittle the players who are there, but I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise… But there’s not much I can do, I’m not the one who decides these things.”Who has won the most Ballon d’Ors?Here is a list of all the multiple-time Ballon d’Or winners:Lionel Messi – 8 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)Cristiano Ronaldo – 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)Michel Platini – 3 (1983, 1984, 1985)Johan Cruyff – 3 (1971, 1971, 1974)Marco van Basten – 3 (1988, 1989, 1992)Franz Beckenbauer – 2 (1972, 1976)Ronaldo – 2 (1997, 2002)Alfredo Di Stefano – 2 (1957, 1959)Kevin Keegan – 2 (1978, 1979)Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – 2 (1980, 1981) More

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      ‘I know’: Ballon d’Or chief hints Cristiano Ronaldo might be holding silent protest ahead of Paris ceremony

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO could protest being snubbed for a Ballon d’Or nomination by refusing to attend Monday’s ceremony.The Portuguese legend, 39, is a five-time winner of the prestigious award – claiming the honour in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.Cristiano Ronaldo could decide against going to the ceremony in Paris on MondayCredit: ReutersBut in 2023 he failed to make the 30-player shortlist for the first time in 20 years.And the Al-Nassr forward also missed out this time around – making it the first time in more than two decades that neither Ronaldo or Lionel Messi were among the nominations.Ronaldo has still received an invite to the ceremony in Paris on Monday as all previous winners are permitted to attend.However, France Football editor Vincent Garcia has hinted Ronaldo may opt to stay at home.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to The Times, he said: “Winners have the right to come back to all future ceremonies but they don’t all come, some are very upset with us.”I don’t know for certain Cristiano is. I don’t talk to him directly, but I know for example that former winners vote for the Kopa Trophy – for the best young player – and Cristiano didn’t vote last year and he didn’t vote this year.”Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior is the favourite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or ahead of Manchester City midfielder Rodri.The Brazilian scored 24 goals and assisted 11 last season as Carlo Ancelotti’s men lifted the LaLiga title and Champions League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe also already has 15 goal contributions in as many games for Real Madrid this season.Vinicius would become just the third player outside of Messi and Ronaldo to win the award since 2008.Cristiano Ronaldo sits in on son Cristiano Jr’s training session as 14-year-old looks to follow in dad’s footsteps Luka Modric won it in 2018, while Karim Benzema picked it up in 2022.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      How one journalist got sacked from voting for the Ballon d’Or after his picks showed he’d lost all credibility

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      ARGENTINE journalist Enrique Wolff lost his right to vote for the Ballon d’Or winner after his picks showed “he’d lost all credibility.”Wolff, 75, was removed after voting for FOUR of his compatriots in the top five of the 2023 Ballon d’Or, which was won by Lionel Messi.The voter for Argentina was removed after last year’s Ballon d’OrEnrique Wolff was accused of losing ‘all credibility’Credit: wolffquique instagramFrance Football will hand the Ballon d’Or to the world’s best player in a glittering awards ceremony in Paris on Monday.The coveted award is decided by 100 journalists, one from each of Fifa’s 100 top-ranked member nations (top 50 for the women’s award).Each journalist makes their top 10 pick from the 30-player shortlist and there are different point values for each.The Ballon d’Or is for the previous season and should go to the best player during that specific period, not the journalists’ favourite.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut guidance carries only so much weight.Ballon d’Or organiser and commander-in-chief, Vincent Garcia told The Times: “I am not a dictator. They vote with their heart.”Some prefer attackers or midfielders, this team or that team. The important thing is to be credible. Not everyone passes that test either.”He then went on to explain where Argentine journalist Wolff went wrong.Most read in FootballInter Miami and Argentina’s Lionel Messi won a record eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGarcia said: “Last year the voter for Argentina was removed after he selected four players from Argentina — Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Emiliano Martinez — in his top five spots.”There were four Argentina players available on the shortlist and he picked all of them.Karim Benzema shows off incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Ronaldo snub as he’s tipped for career change”My opinion was he had lost objectivity. We changed the journalist and he no longer votes.”The only non-Argentine player included by Wolff was Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the Qatar World Cup final.Messi’s coronation last October was the first time in 15 years that the Ballon d’Or hasn’t gone to a player from Real Madrid or Barcelona.And Madrid winger Vinicius Jr is the clear frontrunner to win the award for the first time on Monday.Garcia also wanted to clear up accusations about LaLiga favouritism and the supposed unfair power of Madrid president Florentino Perez.He added: “If there was a ‘Perez Effect’, what would it be? Would I be in touch with him? I never spoke to him ever in my life so far. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It would somehow mean he manages to have some influence over us, which is not the case.­­”In the men’s category, six England players – captain Harry Kane, midfielders Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Declan Rice, and forwards Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer – have been nominated.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Penny-pinching Man Utd ‘ask Man City to give players lift in private plane to Ballon d’Or’ but get REJECTED by rivals

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      MANCHESTER UNITED chiefs took an embarrassing hit in their efforts to save money after Manchester City rejected their request for a lift to the Ballon d’Or ceremony, according to reports.New United part owners Ineos have embarked on a cost-cutting crusade since taking control of the football operation at Old Trafford.Man Utd chiefs asked Man City if two players could go in their private jet to the Ballon d’OrCredit: PABut City chiefs rejected the proposal because the flight was fullCredit: RexKobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are up for the Kopa TrophyCredit: GettyThe 2024 awards ceremony commences on Monday nightCredit: APThis saw 250 members of staff let go in the summer and Sir Alex Ferguson chopped from his £2million-a-year role.The latest efforts to cut costs saw United ask bitter rivals Man City if they could give a lift to Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to go to the Ballon d’Or ceremony.According to the Daily Mail, City have chartered a private jet to take their players over to Paris for the awards show on Monday.However, City rejected the request from United because the flight was full with their eight nominees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe report adds that alternative arrangements have now been arranged.United had placed the request because the idea of sending two players on a private jet was not seen as a good look.The club’s carbon-footprint was also said to be a factor.Sharing flights is a common theme for clubs when players are traveling for international duty from places such as South America.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPremier League champions City have the most players at the awards of any English club. They have four players in the men’s section of the awards – Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Rodri – and a further three in the women’s award – Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)Savinho is also up for the Kopa Trophy award, which recognises the best young player, going up against Garnacho and Mainoo.However, they are set to be left disappointed, with Vinicius Jr the reported favorite to win the men’s award, though Rodri is said to be his closest challenger ahead of 2023 Kopa Trophy winner Jude Bellingham.Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmatí is the favorite to retain her crown in the women’s award.Lamine Yamal is the favorite to win the Kopa Trophy.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’

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      AN incredible video has shown how the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy is beautifully handcrafted.The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. Fans were in awe after spotting how the Ballon d’Or trophy is madeTwo brass plates are soldered together by a distinguished French jewellerThe ball is then immersed in gold and engravedThe Ballon d’Or trophy – which, as its French name suggests, takes the form of a golden ball – is worth somewhere in the region of £2,400.It is made with two brass plates which are soldered together to create the shape of a football, before lined markings are drawn on the outside.Afterwards it’s dipped in gold and engraved with the “Ballon d’Or” logo.The final touch is a layer of pyrite crystals – which gives the trophy a stunning rock like appearance.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIncluding its pyrite base, the award measures 31 cm in height and 23 cm in diameter and weighs just over 7 kg. The coveted prize, awarded to the world’s best footballer, is handmade by a team at French Jewellery House Mellerio dits Meller.It is a meticulous process that takes more than 100 hours to complete – which amounts to about four days.And fans were blown away by it’s simple, yet careful, design.Most read in FootballIt takes more than 100 hours to finishThe final touch is a layer of crystals on a pyrite baseFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne social media user wrote: “Why does it feel so weird? It’s something so prestigious, and it’s made just like that.”While another said: “Wow amazing!”Karim Benzema shows off incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Ronaldo snub as he’s tipped for career changeA third added: “This is crazy seeing how it’s actually made.”One more replied: “I never realised it’s hollow inside, but it makes perfect sense.”What is the Ballon d’Or?The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football since 1956.This prestigious trophy is awarded to the world’s best footballer of the year and is a true work of art – just like the players who earn it.This year, Uefa — European football’s governing body — will help organise the award for the first time.Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or trophies won – eightWho are the favourites?Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Manchester City’s Rodri are favourites to lift this year’s prize on Monday. Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal have also been nominated.Lionel Messi leads the way with eight Ballon d’Or wins between 2009 and 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has five. The pair have dominated the men’s award in recent history but, for the first time in 21 years, neither has been nominated.Who decides the Ballon d’Or winners?The Ballon d’Or is decided by 100 journalists, one from each of FIFA’s 100 top-ranked member nations (top 50 for the women’s award). Each journalist makes their top 10 pick from the 30-player shortlist and there are different point values for each.READ MORE SUN STORIESFirst: 15 pointsSecond: 12 pointsThird: 10 pointsFourth: Eight pointsFifth: Seven pointsSixth: Five pointsSeventh: Four pointsEighth: Three pointsNinth: Two pointsTenth: One pointEarning the most points wins you the Ballon d’Or. In the unlikely event of a tie, the winner would be decided by first-place votes. More

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      Ballon d’Or 2024: Date, FREE stream, TV, nominees as Jude Bellingham eyes prestigious prize

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      EVERY footballer dreams of helping their club win trophies – but lifting the Ballon d’Or is the one individual award that tops all.Lionel Messi picked up his eighth gong last year after leading Argentina to their first World Cup title win since 1986 during the 2022 competition.Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or last yearCredit: APHowever, it was seen as a controversial decision due to Messi’s underwhelming season at club level compared to Erling Haaland who fired Manchester City to an incredible Treble.Organisers are set to have an even tougher task in choosing the winners this time round with the likes of Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr having outstanding seasons for their club.Also, there a massive shouts for Rodri to get his hands on the after playing a vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.Either way, SunSport has all the information on when the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner will be announced.Read more on Ballon d’OrAnd you can keep scrolling to find out.When is the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner announced?The Ballon d’Or 2024 winner will be announced on Monday, October 28.It is scheduled to get underway at 7pm GMT, 2pm ET and 8pm local time.Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France is the allocated arena for this huge ceremony and it can host approximately 2,500 spectators.Where can I watch the Ballon d’Or 2024 for FREE?The Ballon d’Or 2024 awards ceremony will be streamed live for FREE on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel.What are the Ballon d’Or 2024 nominees?Below are the 30 players who have been nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham (England and Real Madrid)Ruben Dias (Portugal and Manchester City)Phil Foden (England and Manchester City)Federico Valverde (Uruguay and Real Madrid)Emiliano Martinez (Argentina and Aston Villa)Erling Haaland (Norway and Manchester City)Nico Williams (Spain and Athletic Bilbao)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland and Bayer Leverkusen)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine and Roma)Toni Kroos (former Germany and Real Madrid)Vinicius Jr (Brazil and Real Madrid)Dani Olmo (Spain and Barcelona)Florian Wirtz (Germany and Bayer Leverkusen)Martin Odegaard (Norway and Arsenal)Mats Hummels (Germany, free agent)Rodri (Spain and Manchester City)Harry Kane (England and Bayern Munich)Declan Rice (England and Arsenal)Vitinha (Portugal and Paris St-Germain)Cole Palmer (England and Chelsea)Dani Carvajal (Spain and Real Madrid)Lamine Yamal (Spain and Barcelona)Bukayo Saka (England and Arsenal)Hakan Calhanoglu (Turkey and Inter Milan)William Saliba (France and Arsenal)Kylian Mbappe (France and Real Madrid)Lautaro Martinez (Argentina and Inter Milan)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria and Atalanta)Antonio Rudiger (Germany and Real Madrid)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain and Bayer Leverkusen)What has been said?Real Madrid star Rodrygo is not happy with the nominations despite seeing his teammates selected to potentially win the Ballon d’Or.Rodrygo told ESPN regarding his snub: “I was upset, I think I deserved it. I don’t want to belittle the players who are there, but I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise… But there’s not much I can do, I’m not the one who decides these things.”Who has won the most Ballon d’Ors?Here is a list of all the multiple-time Ballon d’Or winners:Lionel Messi – 8 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)Cristiano Ronaldo – 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)Michel Platini – 3 (1983, 1984, 1985)Johan Cruyff – 3 (1971, 1971, 1974)Marco van Basten – 3 (1988, 1989, 1992)Franz Beckenbauer – 2 (1972, 1976)Ronaldo – 2 (1997, 2002)Alfredo Di Stefano – 2 (1957, 1959)Kevin Keegan – 2 (1978, 1979)Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – 2 (1980, 1981) More

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      Major change made to Ballon d’Or awards but fans still convinced winner of top prize has been leaked

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      THE Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will undergo a major change this year that could add some suspense to the occasion.There could be a new winner this year as neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo have been nominated for the award.Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham are amongst the favourite to win the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyThe awards ceremony will take place on October 28 where the Ballon d’Or and Ballon d’Or Feminin winners being announced, along with the Kopa Trophy and Yashin Trophy winners.Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy last year as he was recognised as the best young player in the world, and he is now one of the favourites for the top gong.And in a major change to the ceremony the Ballon d’Or winner will not be informed of their prize before the night gets underway.In previous years France Football have held interviews with the winner prior to their name being announced on stage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Athletic reporter Mario Cortegana that interview will no longer take place which should add a layer of suspense to the evening.However it has been claimed the winner has already been leaked and the victor informed of their prize.Spanish outlet Marca, who have leaked previous winners, reported the news suggesting “all roads lead to Vinicius Jr”.Real Madrid star Vinicius is a Ballon d’Or favourite after producing 24 goals and 11 assists last season, including a goal in the Champions League final.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBallon d’Or winnersHere are the winners of the previous ten Ballon d’Or awards:2023 – Lionel Messi2022 – Karim Benzema2021 – Lionel Messi2019 – Lionel Messi2018 – Luka Modric2017 – Cristiano Ronaldo2016 – Cristiano Ronaldo2015 – Lionel Messi2014 -2013 – His team-mate Bellingham has also be tipped to win it after a very successful debut campaign at the Bernabeu.He also helped England reach the Euro 2024 final where they lost to Spain, whose talisman Rodri is also a contender to win the Ballon d’Or.Five of his England team-mates are also on the 30-man shortlist – Captain Harry Kane, midfielders Phil Foden and Declan Rice, and forwards Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on 28 October.Flooded pitch causes chaos in Argentina’s draw with Venezuela as Lionel Messi rants about ‘ugly’ match More

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      Ballon d’Or winner ‘already knows he is getting award’ with plans to celebrate achievement ‘already in place’

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      VINICIUS JUNIOR already knows he is being crowned this year’s Ballon d’Or winner, according to reports in Spain.The Real Madrid and Brazil star, enjoyed a sensational 2023/24 season as he scored 24 goals and assisted 11 en route to LaLiga and Champions League glory.Vinicius Junior looks set to win the Ballon d’Or next monthCredit: AlamyHe would become the fourth Real Madrid player to collect the award in the last even yearsCredit: AFPManchester City’s Rodri and Vinicius’ Real Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham have been mooted as potential winners of the Ballon d’Or.But according to Marca, Vinicius has been informed he will collect the prize at the ceremony on October 28.And it is understood there are plans to dedicate Madrid’s Nike store to Vinicius with an image of him on display and a gold theme throughout the shop.If triumphant, the Brazilian would become the fourth different Real Madrid player to win the award in the last seven years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe would join an elite club that also includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.Lionel Messi is the only non-Real Madrid player in the last 15 years to have won the Ballon d’Or – having collected it on a record EIGHT occasions between 2009 and 2023.Including the now retired Toni Kroos, who hung up his boots as a Real Madrid player at the end of last season, Vinicius is one of six Los Blancos stars on the 30-player shortlist for the men’s award.Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger and Fede Valverde were also recognised after securing the club’s 15th European crown.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Ballon d’Or nominees for this year’s awardJournalists from Fifa’s top 100-ranked member nations vote to determine the winner.Vinicius spoke last month about the Brazilian legends that have inspired him to win the Ballon d’Or.Humiliating moment Ballon d’Or favourite Vinicius Jr is sat down by teen in futsal leaving Real Madrid star on his bum He told ESPN: “I have Kaka as an example, I have Ronaldo [Nazario] who won the award twice, I have Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, a lot of Brazilian players who have won the Ballon d’Or.”But without a doubt, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are the ones I’m closest with, who tell me every day that I have to win the Ballon d’Or.”I was with Ronaldo just now when I was in Ibiza and trained at his house and he told me: ‘Train here a few more days, so you are closer to the Ballon d’Or.'”They are players who did incredible things and to be able to compete for the Ballon d’Or and to win an award that they won, that would be something really incredible.” More