What Bellingham must do to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or

Tom Weber

31 Oct 2023 07:15 CDT
4 min read

Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or — © ProShots

Jude Bellingham could be the heir to Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or throne, but he will face stiff competition.

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The Real Madrid ace has started life in Spain like a house on fire. With 13 goals in 13 games, the 20-year-old has shattered all kinds of club records and made many Madridistas forget about Kylian Mbappe.

At the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Bellingham was awarded the Kopa Trophy, honouring the world's best U21 player. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, took home the grand prize yet again, for a record eighth time - but what about 2024?

BALLON D'OR 2024: Haaland, Bellingham and the top candidates for next year's award

Next year, things could look quite different. With Messi now plying his trade in MLS, it's hard to envision him winning another Ballon d'Or, at last ending his era of dominance. Kylian Mbappe of PSG and 2023 runners-up Erling Haaland of Man City will be vying for Messi's throne, but so will Bellingham.

What must Bellingham do to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or?

Many recognise that Jude Bellingham is the future of football. After netting a crucial brace in El Clasico and collecting the Kopa Trophy, LaLiga has begun making the Englishman the face of its branding.

Former Premier League star Shaka Hislop, for his part, believes that the youngster is a shoo-in for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, but it won't be that easy. On current form, few will be able to rival Bellingham, but he must keep this form up for the rest of the campaign and, crucially, stay fit.

READ: Who will win Ballon d’Or 2024? Shortlist, favourites, latest odds, date and past winners

It will be tough to dethrone Man City in the Champions League, but if Real Madrid reclaim their place in the sun in LaLiga and, potentially, Europe, the 20-year-old will be among the favourites for the award.

Better yet, England are considered one of the top contenders for Euro 2024, and if Bellingham, who is quickly becoming the heart and soul of Gareth Southgate's side, can inspire the Three Lions to their first international success since 1966, he will be all but guaranteed to be the heir to Lionel Messi.