Ballon d’Or 2024: schedule, candidates and where to watch the gala on TV today

Today, Monday, October 28, the 2023 Ballon d’Or Gala will be held at the Chatelet Theater in Paris. This renowned event, organized by France Football magazine since 1956, takes place almost a year after the one won by Leo Messi and Aitana Bonmatí in 2023. In its 68th edition, these awards recognize the outstanding performance of footballers during the season, which in this case includes from the summer of 2023 to the summer of 2024.

Expectations are high, especially in the male and female categories of the Ballon d’Or. In the men’s competition, the battle is emerging between Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid), the great favorite, Rodri (Manchester City) and Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid). . Others like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona) and Erling Haaland (Manchester City) are also in the fight, although they have a very difficult time.

On the other hand, in the women’s Ballon d’Or, Aitana Bonmatí is the favorite to revalidate the title after an outstanding season with FC Barcelona, ​​conquering everything within her reach, and being fundamental in the Nations League that crowned Spain as champion Her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo also have chances.

Schedule and where to see the Gala

This year’s ceremony is scheduled for October 28, around 8:30 p.m. In addition to the Ballon d’Or, other notable awards will be presented such as the Kopa Trophy, which recognizes the best under-21 player, and the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper.

France Football organizes the voting for the Ballon d’Or through a jury made up of 100 specialized journalists, each representing a country, selected according to the FIFA ranking, which ensures an inclusive and global voting process.

Voters evaluate individual performance, the player’s impact on matches and their contribution to their team’s successes during the season. In 2024, special attention will be given to individual performances, although collective achievements will remain relevant. Importantly, the award covers the summer-to-summer football season, and not the entire calendar year.