The failure of Brazil in the 2024 Copa America has severely dented Vinicius Jr.’s chances of winning this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Before the start of Copa America and EURO this summer, Vinicius Jr. was the frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. His triumph in the UEFA Champions League 2023/24, along with his outstanding goal and assist statistics, placed the Real Madrid star in a prime position.
Jude Bellingham was Vinicius’s closest competitor in this race. However, with Brazil’s elimination from Copa America in the quarter-finals, Vinicius Jr.’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or have significantly diminished.
Overall, Bellingham’s club performances in the 2023/24 season were not far behind Vinicius. The primary difference was in individual statistics like goals and assists, where Vinicius had the edge due to his offensive role and standout performances in the Champions League knockout stages.
However, the landscape changed with the onset of the summer’s major international tournaments. Vinicius failed to impress with Brazil, and their early exit from Copa America left fans shocked.
Bellingham, while not having an outstanding EURO 2024, made more significant contributions to England than Vinicius did for Brazil. Bellingham scored the only goal in England’s opening match against Serbia at EURO 2024. In the Round of 16, he executed a stunning overhead kick in injury time, bringing England back from the brink and helping them win in extra time.
In the match against Switzerland, Bellingham successfully converted his penalty during the shootout. England’s advancement to the EURO 2024 semi-finals gives Bellingham a substantial platform to further cement his claim for the Ballon d’Or.
### The Influence of a EURO Win
If England wins the European Championship this summer, Bellingham will have a strong advantage in the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, even if he doesn’t dominate the remaining games of the tournament.
However, Bellingham’s less-than-spectacular EURO performance does open the door for other contenders. The outcome of EURO 2024 will significantly impact the race for this prestigious individual award by France Football at the end of the year.
Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and even Fede Valverde or Rodri still have legitimate hopes of winning the Ballon d’Or as Copa America and EURO progress to their final stages.
Mbappe has been a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or, having had an outstanding season with PSG, scoring 43 goals and providing 10 assists in 45 appearances in the 2023/24 season. Should France clinch the European title this summer, Mbappe will undoubtedly be the top contender.
Harry Kane is in a similar position. His impressive statistics with Bayern Munich in the 2023/24 season, where he scored 43 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 matches, place him firmly in the race. Kane even won the European Golden Shoe. Although missing out on the Bundesliga title might have hurt his chances, a EURO 2024 victory would change everything.
Lionel Messi remains a name to watch in the race, especially if Argentina wins Copa America. However, Messi’s current stint with Inter Miami and his less explosive form in Copa America compared to previous years may hinder his chances.
Fede Valverde and Rodri could also be surprise contenders if Uruguay or Spain win their respective tournaments this summer. Valverde’s standout performances for Uruguay in Copa America, coupled with his Champions League win with Real Madrid, bolster his case.
Rodri’s brilliant form for Manchester City and Spain over the past year makes him a strong candidate, especially if Spain triumphs at EURO 2024.
The race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or remains wide open, with the outcomes of Copa America and EURO 2024 set to play crucial roles in determining the winner.
