The prestigious Ballon d’Or, football’s top individual award, will feature a significant change this year. France Football, the organizers of the Ballon d’Or, announced that the winner of the 2024 award will not be informed ahead of time, breaking away from a long-standing tradition.
In previous years, the recipient of the Ballon d’Or was typically interviewed by France Football before the ceremony, indicating that they had won the prize. However, this year, the winner will only find out during the live event when the envelope is opened on stage. This new rule is intended to increase the suspense and excitement around the award ceremony, which is set to take place on October 28.
Mario Cortegana, a correspondent for The Athletic, shared the news, stating, “The winner will be revealed in real-time at the ceremony. There will be no pre-event interviews as was the tradition in the past.”
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With just over two weeks until the ceremony, speculation is mounting about who will take home the coveted trophy. Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is widely considered a favorite for the award, following an outstanding season in which he helped his team secure both the La Liga and Champions League titles. Other top contenders include Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Rodri, all of whom have had remarkable seasons as well.
Vinicius’ performance for Real Madrid has placed him in the spotlight, and many fans and analysts believe he is a strong candidate to win his first-ever Ballon d’Or. “Vinicius has been unstoppable this year. He’s at the top of his game and deserves recognition,” said a Madrid fan who is hopeful of seeing the young Brazilian take home the prize.
The new rule adds another layer of anticipation to an already exciting event, as fans around the world eagerly wait to see who will be crowned the best footballer of 2024. With Vinicius leading the pack of potential winners, the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable occasion.