Four Manchester City stars have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or. Last year, Lionel Messi claimed the title once again, edging out Erling Haaland, who secured second place, and Kylian Mbappe, who finished third.
After an electric start to the Premier League this season, Haaland is aiming for his first-ever Ballon d’Or win. He hopes to build on his nomination with his relentless performances for City. Joining him on the shortlist are Phil Foden, Ruben Dias, and Rodri, who have all played pivotal roles in City’s dominance. However, to the surprise of many, Kevin De Bruyne missed out on a nomination this year.
Other high-profile names absent from the shortlist include Bernardo Silva, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk. On the other hand, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Kylian Mbappe are all contenders for the top prize, adding even more heat to this year’s competition.
The full list of nominees also includes a range of talents like Federico Valverde, Emiliano Martinez, Martin Odegaard, and Harry Kane. New faces such as Lamie Yamal and Cole Palmer also make the cut, highlighting the ever-growing pool of world-class talent.
After City’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in February 2024, Pep Guardiola lavished praise on Rodri, naming him “the best midfielder in the world.” Guardiola described Rodri’s versatility, saying, “He’s an unbelievable player… the best midfield player in the current world by far.” He elaborated, “The tempo he sets, his character in tough situations, and his ability to play both short and long—he’s always ready. What a signing.” Guardiola emphasized that Rodri’s contribution was integral to City’s recent successes.
Fast forward to March, and Guardiola was heaping similar praise on Phil Foden, who delivered a stunning display in a victory over Manchester United. “He is the best player in the Premier League right now,” Guardiola told BBC Sport, pointing to Foden’s increased maturity and understanding of the game. Guardiola noted Foden’s versatility, adding, “He can play middle, right, left, cut inside, and score. Unbelievable.”
Then, in April, Guardiola turned his attention to Erling Haaland, defending him against criticism from Roy Keane. Calling Haaland “the best striker in the world,” Guardiola dismissed the notion that Haaland was responsible for any lack of chances. “Erling helped us win what we won last season. The reason we didn’t create more chances wasn’t him,” Guardiola said. He praised Haaland’s unique qualities, stating that at just 23 years old, “he will only get better.”
