According to BD Cricket, the race for the Ballon d’Or—one of football’s most prestigious individual honors—has reached a thrilling final chapter. With the season’s top competitions nearing their conclusion, only three contenders remain in serious contention: Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé. Every player has a past and a journey, though rarely are those paths perfect. What matters now is how these three stars have shaped the football narrative over the past year.
BD Cricket believes the final outcome will largely depend on the results of two tournaments: the European Championship and the Copa América. Since joining Real Madrid, Bellingham has displayed exceptional quality, often stepping up during the team’s toughest moments. His sense of positioning and composure under pressure have allowed him to break deadlocks and push the team forward. Some might argue that the spotlight he’s received is thanks to playing for a club like Real Madrid—but being signed for a record fee is itself a testament to his undeniable talent.
While Bellingham’s time at Borussia Dortmund showed promise, it wasn’t until he arrived in Madrid that his full potential was unlocked. With England among the favorites to win Euro 2024, the tournament offers him the perfect stage to seal the Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid have already lifted the Champions League trophy, and if England reaches the final—or better yet, wins the tournament—Bellingham could become the clear front-runner for the award.
On the other hand, Vinícius Júnior has also made a massive impact this season. Known for his blistering speed and dribbling finesse, he’s been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success. His crucial goals in tight matches have repeatedly rescued the team, and with the Champions League title under his belt, his chances are strong. However, his Ballon d’Or hopes rest on the Copa América. With Neymar absent, Vinícius must carry Brazil’s attack. If he leads them to victory, he could very well outshine Bellingham in the final vote.
Kylian Mbappé, meanwhile, continues to prove he’s a generational talent. As the face of the French national team, he’s been delivering top-tier performances at every major competition. Whether in the Euros or World Cup, his speed, finishing, and big-game mentality are unmatched. Beyond his physical attributes, Mbappé has shown leadership and a strong mental game, setting the tone for his team both on and off the pitch. His consistency in international tournaments keeps him firmly in the Ballon d’Or picture.
All three players bring something unique to the table—Bellingham’s maturity and tactical intelligence, Vinícius’s flair and explosiveness, and Mbappé’s complete forward package. Each has the potential to walk away with the trophy, and their journeys have added rich layers to football’s global appeal. BD Cricket predicts that no matter who wins, these names will be etched into football history.
With both the Copa América and the Euros drawing to a close, fans around the world are holding their breath for the final Ballon d’Or verdict. The stage is set, the votes are pending, and the excitement is building. One thing is certain—whoever lifts the golden ball will have truly earned their place among football’s elite.