Major tournaments often influence the Ballon d’Or vote and the European Championship and Copa America have certainly shaken things up.
Spain were crowned Euro 2024 winners after beating England this weekend, while Argentina defended their Copa America title with an extra-time win over Colombia. Following the conclusion of this summer’s international tournaments, we’ve looked at the players in contention for football’s greatest individual honour.
Here are the five favourites to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Lamine Yamal (11/1)
Lamine Yamal produced a scintillating showing of his precocious talent this summer with the teenager influential in Spain’s success at Euro 2024. After becoming the European Championship’s youngest-ever player in Spain’s opening fixture, Yamal set about stamping his mark on the tournament and did so in style. The 17-year-old recorded more assists (4) and key passes (19) than any other player, while his spectacular strike in the semi-final win over France will be among the iconic imagery of the finals. His ability to influence games of such stature, at this age, is truly remarkable.

Lamine Yamal matches Cristiano Ronaldo’s stats in 18 fewer matches pic.twitter.com/q66cYE08u0
? OneFootball (@OneFootball) July 14, 2024

The 2024 Ballon d’Or might be too soon but his current trajectory suggests it will be a case of when and not if for Yamal. Ronaldo Nazario’s record-breaking win at 21 will be ...