Ballon d’Or

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      Karim Benzema shows off incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Ronaldo snub as he’s tipped for career change

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      KARIM BENZEMA showed off an incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim Kylian Mbappe is better than him.Real Madrid legend Benzema, 36, scored 354 goals in 648 appearances across a 14-year career for the Spanish giants.Karim Benzema posed in front of supercars in his latest social media videoCredit: InstagramThe Real Madrid legend could be seen in a variety of outfitsCredit: InstagramHe also wore a Ballon d’Or style watchCredit: InstagramIt comes after Benzema responded to former team-mate Cristiano RonaldoCredit: InstagramHe joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad last year, less than 12 months after capping a sensational season by winning the Ballon d’Or.Yet his near decade-long partnership with Ronaldo at Real Madrid did not stop the Portugal forward from picking Mbappe ahead of Benzema in a recent YouTube video.Benzema responded by sharing a photo of the Ballon d’Or trophy on his Instagram story.Now he has posted a video on social media of him walking around a number of flash supercars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlongside the clip, he posted the short caption: “Daddy 🇩🇿.”It is cut with footage of him training on the pitch and in the gym, but it is his watch that is the most eye-catching image.It includes a golden ball engraved into it which is in honour of him being a Ballon d’Or winner.Meanwhile, his acting in the video, which sees him smouldering at the camera, was praised by fans.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBenzema shared this image of his Ballon d’Or after Ronaldo picked Kylian Mbappe over himCredit: InstagramBenzema and Ronaldo spent nine years as Real Madrid team-matesCredit: EPAOne social media user tipped him to become an actor after he hangs up his boots, saying: “Big Benz could really cut it as an actor when he retires from football.”While another added: “It doesn’t get any colder I’m afraid.”Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveA third replied: “Best video I’ve seen in a while.”And a fourth responded: “Benzema is unmatched.”Benzema, who returned to Real Madrid for rehab on an injury in the summer, has started both of Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League games at the start of the new season, scoring one goal.His side sit third in the table with maximum points, behind pace setters Al-Hilal on goal difference. More

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      When is the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner announced? 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, 2023Cristiano Ronaldo – 5: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017Michel Platini – 3: 1983, 1984, 1985Johan Cruyff – 3: 1971, 1971, 1974Marco van Basten – 3: 1988, 1989, 1992Franz Beckenbauer – 2: 1972, 1976Ronaldo – 2: 1997, 2002Alfredo Di Stefano – 2: 1957, 1959Kevin Keegan – 2: 1978, 1979Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – 2: 1980, 1981 More

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      Former Charlton and Everton star on Ballon d’Or shortlist as full list of 30 players revealed

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      FORMER Charlton and Everton winger Ademola Lookman is among the 30-player shortlist for this year’s men’s Ballon d’Or.The Nigeria international, 26, who also had spells at Fulham and Leicester, struggled for any sort of consistency during his time in England.Ademola Lookman has been named on the Ballon d’Or shortlistCredit: GettyThe former Charlton and Fulham man struggled in England but has thrived in ItalyCredit: ReutersVinicius Junior is the favourite to win the awardCredit: ReutersRodri is the other big favourite after a sensational 12 months for club and countryCredit: ReutersBut he has been reinvigorated since joining Serie A side Atalanta in 2023, scoring 32 goals and assisting 18 in 72 games.The most notable of those goals came in last season’s Europa League final when he scored a sensational hat-trick as Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to claim the trophy and hand the German champions their only defeat of the campaign.And his breathtaking 12 months has earned him a place on the Ballon d’Or shortlist.He joins superstars such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior on the list.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it’s the first time since 2003 that the Ballon d’Or voting will go ahead without one of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the ballot.A third of the 30 names play their club football in the Premier League – Haaland, Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Emi Martinez, Martin Odegaard, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Rodri, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.And six of the shortlist are English, with Bellingham, Foden, Palmer, Rice and Saka joined by European Golden Boot and Euro 2024 Golden Boot winner Harry Kane.Bookies have the Ballon d’Or winner as a straight shoot-out between Vinicius and Rodri.Most read in FootballMan City were disappointed that Haaland was not handed the coveted award last year – despite scoring 52 goals in his first season in England.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHere are the 30 nominees for this year’s Ballon d’OrReal Madrid new boy Kylian Mbappe has made the listCredit: GettyBayern Munich’s Harry Kane is one of six English players on the 30-man shortlistCredit: RexBukayo Saka has deservedly been includedCredit: RexHe lost out to Lionel Messi as the Barcelona icon picked up the award for an eighth time following Argentina’s World Cup triumph.But Man City fans will be hoping Rodri’s contribution to their fourth successive league title and Spain’s Euros triumph will see him pip Real Madrid’s Vinicius to the honour.Ballon d’Or winner’s son furiously lashes out and PUNCHES opponent in Copa America and issues grovelling apologyThe winner will be announced on October 28 when the Kopa Trophy will also be dished out for the best player under the age of 21.Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have been nominated for the honour, along with Man City new boy Savinho.Cole Palmer’s sublime first season at Chelsea has also earned him a spotCredit: ReutersWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Champions League winner ‘could be awarded Ballon d’Or FOUR YEARS late’ in never-before-seen move

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI could win the Ballon d’Or FOUR YEARS late – in a move almost as remarkable as his 2019-20 season.Covid restrictions robbed the striker of football’s top individual gong – despite his 55-goal campaign helping Bayern Munich win the Treble.Robert Lewandowski might get an extra gong after helping Bayern win the Treble in 2019-20, including beating PSG in the Champions League finalCredit: GettyInter Miami’s Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for an eighth time last yearCredit: AFPBayern icon Lewandowski, 35, is still going strong, albeit for BarcelonaCredit: GettyLewandowski, now with Barcelona, is arguably the greatest modern-day men’s star never to have picked up the award.And in 2021, when Lionel Messi picked up the seventh of his record eight Ballons d’Or, the Argentine revealed everyone believed the Polish goal machine had been cruelly denied 12 months earlier.Messi told the ceremony: “Robert, you deserve your Ballon d’Or. Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner of this award.”Now Diario Sport journalist Ivan San Antonio claims France Football are considering handing Lewandowski the gong retrospectively. READ MORE TOP STORIESIt’s understood no final decision has been made over such an unprecedented step.But Lewandowski would reportedly be delighted to get the award – rather than frustrated at missing out when the prestigious occasion was ditched for the first time in 64 years.OneFootball quote the 35-year-old as saying: “If I won the Ballon d’Or four years later, I wouldn’t feel offended. “It would be a great honour and I would accept the award.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBALLON D’OR WINNERS THIS CENTURYLIONEL MESSI and Cristiano Ronaldo of course have dominated the men’s award this century – but the last British winner also sneaks into the list.

      2000: Luis Figo (Real Madrid)
      2001: Michael Owen (Liverpool)
      2002: Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2003: Pavel Nedved (Juventus)
      2004: Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan)
      2005: Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
      2006: Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
      2007: Kaka (Milan)
      2008: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
      2009: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2010: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2011: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2012: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2013: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2014: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2015: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2016: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2017: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
      2018: Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
      2019: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
      2020: Cancelled because of Covid-19
      2021: Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
      2022: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
      2023: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

      Lewandowski’s 2019-20 term has few equals for goalscoring.He failed to net when Bayern completed the Treble with a 1-0 victory over PSG in the Champions League final – the only time he has won that tournament.Ex-Man Utd star HEADBUTTS Robert Lewandowski and then scores own goal as Barcelona suffer epic collapseBut Lewandowski’s 55 goals in all domestic football was 16 more than his nearest rival in Europe’s big five leagues – with 34 strikes coming in his 31 Bundesliga matches.Apart from winning the European Golden Shoe, he was also named Fifa’s Men’s Player of the Year – which only added to the anger from many fans and pundits when the Ballon d’Or awards were cancelled.The 148-cap hero won the German crown eight times in a row and, since joining Barca in 2022, has added one LaLiga title.And apart from his own record-breaking, he stands to become his country’s first ever Ballon d’Or winner – if France Football does opt to roll back the years.ALL-TIME TOP 10 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SCORERSROBERT LEWANDOWSKI is third on the all-time list – behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      But Lewandowski, former Bayern team-mate Thomas Muller and Kylian Mbappe are the only top-tenners still with clubs playing Champions League football.
      140: Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd, Real Madrid, Juventus)129: Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain)94: Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Barcelona)*90: Karim Benzema (FRA, Lyon, Real Madrid)71: Raul González (ESP, Real Madrid, Schalke)56: Ruud van Nistelrooy (PSV Eindhoven, Man Utd, Real Madrid)54: Thomas Muller (GER, Bayern)*50: Thierry Henry (FRA, Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona)48: Zlatan Ibrahimović (SWE, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United)48: Kylian Mbappé (FRA, Monaco, Paris)*
      * Includes 2023/24 More

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      ‘Stolen’ trophy won by football legend Diego Maradona at ‘Hand of God’ World Cup to ‘sell for millions’ at auction

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      A “STOLEN” trophy won by footballing icon Diego Maradona at the infamous “Hand of God” World Cup is set to go under the hammer.The Argentine star, who died in 2020, was awarded the Golden Ball trophy in 1986 for being the best player at the tournament in Mexico.Diego Maradona was awarded the Golden Ball trophy for being the best player in the 1986 World Cup in MexicoCredit: AFPMaradona holds up his team’s trophy after Argentina’s 3-2 victory over West Germany in the finalCredit: APMaradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal still angers England fansCredit: PopperfotoThe award is expected to sell “for millions” after it resurfaced and will goes up for auction on June 6 with the French company Aguttes.The auction house said it was difficult to give an estimate on just what it would sell for due to its uniqueness, adding that it was a world-first as there has never been any other comparable item.Aguttes house sport expert Francois Thierry said there are lots of stories and legends swirling about the trophy but they had undertaken the necessary checks and even contacted the police.Mr Thierry said: “Used far too often wrongly, the word ‘legend’ fits Diego Maradona perfectly.Read More on Maradona“He is to football what Mohamed Ali is to boxing or Michael Jordan to basketball, an iconic icon who goes far beyond the boundaries of his sport.“He is certainly one of the most human athletes we have ever known, with his strengths and weaknesses.“The golden kid ‘El Pibe de Oro’ also nicknamed ‘the God of football’, is a special case in the history of world football, a raw and instinctive talent, in a career punctuated by strokes of brilliance with both success and excess.“The history of football with a capital H is closely linked to that of Maradona.”Most read in FootballSince the 1982 FIFA World Cup, the Golden Ball has rewarded the best player of the tournament, making it one of the most prestigious individual distinctions in the game.Maradona received the Golden Ball trophy at Lido in Paris on November 13, 1986, as the best player of the World Cup.Match ball from Maradona’s Hand of God goal ‘sells’ for £2MILLION at auction by shameless refWhen it does go up for sale it will be the first time a Golden Ball trophy has been presented at auction.While the Golden Ball changes design at each World Cup, the 1986 trophy uses the designs of the official Adidas ‘Azteca’ ball used for the tournament in Mexico.While many football fans will view the 1986 tournament as a standout, many England fans will remember it for Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goalMr Thierry said: “To say this World Cup had it all would be an understatement: phenomenal goals were scored, and countless world-class talents were on display.“It is also, above all, at this tournament that Diego Maradona really showed the whole world what he could do with his feet, and even with his hands…”On June 22 of that year England took on Argentina in the quarter finals, just four years after the Falklands War.At this tournament Diego Maradona really showed the whole world what he could do with his feet, and even with his handsAguttes sport expert Francois Thierry Maradona infamously outjumped England keeper Peter Shilton to punch his first goal into the net using his raised fist, which he later described as being scored by the “Hand of God”.Just four minutes later though he scored again in a goal which was voted as the “Goal of the Century” in a Fifa poll.Picking the ball up in his own half he then beat five England players before scoring his second goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe trophy is made from a gold copper alloy and is 28 cm tall and weighs approximately 4 kilos.The match ball Maradona punched during his notorious “Hand of God” goal sold for £2million in November 2022.Maradona holds up his trophy alongside West German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher at the awards ceremony in ParisCredit: APMaradona is widely seen as one of the world’s footballing greatsCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal cult hero’s son and nephew of Ballon d’Or winner wakes up unemployed at 27 as he’s released by non-league side

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      THE son of an Arsenal cult hero, whose uncle is also a Ballon d’Or winner, has woken up unemployed after being released by a non-league side.Chris Wreh, 27, has been let go by Hartlepool United following the end of the National League campaign.Chris Wreh has been released on a free transfer by Hartlepool UnitedHis dad is Arsenal cult hero Christopher WrehCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe north-east outfit finished 12th in the table, nine points off the playoff spots.And they have now confirmed the exits of nine players whose contracts have expired, including Wreh.The American forward joined Hartlepool last summer on a free transfer from Southend.But he soon dropped down a division after being loaned to Tamworth in December.READ MORE ON ARSENALWreh helped them secure top spot in the National League North table.And after being released by Hartlepool, a permanent deal could now be on the cards.Wreh certainly has pedigree on his side, with his dad being none other than former Arsenal striker Christopher Wreh.He scored three goals in 28 games while playing for the Gunners between 1997 and 2000.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWreh Sr also starred for Monaco and Birmingham while clocking up 36 games for Liberia.And there’s an even more famous name in the family, with young Wreh’s uncle being Ballon d’Or winner George Weah.I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who spent nine forgettable months in the Premier League – now I’m my country’s presidentWreh’s uncle is Ballon d’Or winner George WeahCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe world-famous forward scored tons of goals at Monaco, PSG and AC Milan.He even had spells in England with Chelsea and Man City.And the highlight of Weah’s career came in 1995 when he won the Ballon d’Or.Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Jude Bellingham now FAVOURITE to win Ballon d’Or as odds tumble after England and Real Madrid ace’s winner in El Clasico

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM’S El Clasico heroics have put him in pole position to take home football’s most prestigious individual prize.The England star all but wrapped up a 36th La Liga title for Los Blancos when he prodded home a 91st minute winner against fierce rivals Barcelona on Sunday night.Jude Bellingham popped up with yet another crucial goal for Real Madrid last nightCredit: GettyReal Madrid are now 11 points clear of the Catalan club with just six games left to play before the league campaign reaches its conclusion.And that is in no small part thanks to the work of Bellingham and his sensational debut season in Spain.The 20-year-old arrived at Madrid from Borussia Dortmund this summer in a deal worth £115m and he’s looked like a bargain despite the eye-watering price tag.In his 36 appearances across all competitions this term he had found the net an astounding 21 times and assisted another 10 goals too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs well as cruising towards a league title, he has helped Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid team book a place in the Champions League semi-final where they face Bayern Munich.His jaw-dropping season has led to him now being listed as the FAVOURITE to win the Ballon d’Or this year.William Hill have Bellingham as 5/2 to win the prestigious award and become the first Englishman to be honoured with the trophy since Michael Owen in 2001.He’s ahead of some world class stars that will have to up their game if they are to catch up with Bellingham who virtually has one hand on the award as things stand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKylian Mbappe is second favourite at 3/1 while England teammate Harry Kane is in third spot at 4/1.In fact England’s 23-year wait for a Ballon d’Or winner has a great chance of coming to an end this year with Phil Foden also in the running for the trophy with his odds at 7/1.Jude Bellingham seen chanting in Spanish as Real Madrid stars go wild with fans after epic Man City penalty winHis Man City teammates Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Rodri are also among the top 10 favourites to be bestowed with the honour despite being knocked out the the Champions League by Bellingham and his Madrid team.With almost everyone who is tussling for the award likely to win a major club trophy this season, the deciding factor could be this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament.Bellingham, Foden and Kane will be crucial cogs in Gareth Southgate’s England side in Germany while Rodri and Mbappe will be representing Spain and France respectively.Stars such as Vinicuis Jr and Lionel Messi – who are also in the running – will have to hope they can pull off some magic in the US this summer for the Copa America.While Mohamed Salah, another competitor for the award, failed to win any international silverware this season when Egypt were eliminated from Afcon in the last 16 after the winger picked up an injury.Phil Foden is the fourth favourite in the running for the Ballon d’Or thanks to a superb season at Man CityCredit: GettyHarry Kane’s goalscoring has put him in a good spot to win the individual awardCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi brutally snubs Jude Bellingham as he names four young stars set to take his crown as world’s best player

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      LIONEL MESSI snubbed Jude Bellingham when naming which players could one day win the Ballon d’Or.The superstar has won the award more than any other player with eight, and is the current holder after his World Cup heroics.Lionel Messi snubbed Jude Bellingham when naming potential Ballon d’Or winnersCredit: GettyMessi named four candidatesCredit: GettyBellingham has been in fine form this seasonHe believes there are several players who could challenge for the Ballon d’Or in the future, and argued a rivalry could form in the next few years between three players.But Messi did not consider Bellingham when listing potential candidates, despite his impressive campaign for Real Madrid.He said in an interview with L’Equipe: “The players to compete for the Ballon d’Or in the coming years? “There may be a very beautiful rivalry in the coming years with players like Haaland, Mbappe, Vinicius and many young players competing for the Ballon d’Or.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I also think that Lamine Yamal, who is still very young and now plays for Barcelona, ​​will play a prominent role and fight for it in the future too.”Certainly there will be others competing for it, new players that we do not know will appear, because there are always new players, and I think it will be a very beautiful era to enjoy.”Bellingham, 20, has 21 goals and nine assists for club and country this season, snatching England’s last minute equaliser against Belgium in his last game.He looks set to win his first league title this season too with Real Madrid eight points clear at the top of LaLiga.Most read in FootballErling Haaland was the Ballon d’Or runner-up last yearMessi believes Lamine Yamal has a bright futureBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhile success in the Champions League and Euro 2024 could make Bellingham a shoo-in for the Ballon d’Or.However he will certainly have his challengers, including last year’s runner-up Erling Haaland.Kylian Mbappe often finishes in the Ballon d’Or top threeVinicius Jr has had an excellent campaignVinicius Jr appears to ask Bellingham for Premier League star’s shirt as Real Madrid team-mates chat after England loss More