The prestigious Ballon d’Or nominations for 2024 have been announced, with several England players earning recognition for their exceptional performances over the past year. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Cole Palmer have all been nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or, highlighting the depth of talent within the English national team.
In a historic moment for football, 17-year-old Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who played a key role in helping Spain win the Euro 2024 final against England, has become the youngest-ever nominee for the Ballon d’Or. Yamal surpasses the previous record held by Kylian Mbappé, who was 18 when he received his first nomination.
England’s Rising Stars Earn Ballon d’Or Recognition
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually to the best footballer in the world, has long been one of the most coveted individual prizes in the sport. England’s contingent of nominees for the 2024 award reflects the country’s growing influence on the international stage, as several young stars continue to make their mark for both club and country.
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Harry Kane
England’s all-time top scorer and captain, leads the list of nominees. After completing his move to Bayern Munich from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023, Kane enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Bundesliga, scoring goals at an extraordinary rate and helping Bayern secure the league title. Kane’s leadership and consistency in front of goal have been central to England’s success, including their run to the Euro 2024 final.
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Jude Bellingham
One of the best young midfielders in world football, is another standout nominee. The 21-year-old joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023 and quickly established himself as a key player at the Santiago Bernabéu. His dynamic box-to-box performances and ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch have earned him widespread acclaim. Bellingham was instrumental in England’s Euro 2024 campaign, showcasing his maturity and leadership beyond his years.
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Phil Foden
The Manchester City midfielder, continues to shine under Pep Guardiola’s guidance. Foden’s creativity, dribbling ability, and vision have made him a key figure in City’s dominance both domestically and in Europe. Foden played a significant role in City’s treble-winning season, helping the club lift the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League trophies. His nomination reflects his growing reputation as one of the most talented attacking midfielders in the world.
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Bukayo Saka
The 23-year-old winger has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in Europe, known for his pace, technical ability, and versatility. Saka was a standout performer for England during their Euro 2024 campaign, consistently delivering match-winning moments. His performances for Arsenal in the Premier League have also been crucial to the club’s resurgence as title contenders.
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Declan Rice
The one, who made a record-breaking move to Arsenal in the summer of 2023, has been a dominant presence in midfield for both club and country. Known for his ability to break up opposition attacks and drive forward with the ball, Rice’s physicality and tactical intelligence have made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football. His role in England’s journey to the Euro final and his stellar performances for Arsenal have earned him a well-deserved place among the Ballon d’Or nominees.
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Cole Palmer
Palmer’s performances at Manchester City, particularly in the Champions League, caught the attention of football fans worldwide. His inclusion among the Ballon d’Or nominees is a testament to his potential and the impact he has made at the elite level despite his relative inexperience.
Lamine Yamal: A Historic Nomination
In addition to the six English nominees, Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has made history by becoming the youngest-ever Ballon d’Or nominee at just 17 years old. Yamal’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable, with his performances for both club and country drawing comparisons to some of the game’s greatest players.
Yamal played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory over England in the Euro 2024 final, showcasing his composure and technical brilliance on the biggest stage. His ability to take on defenders, create chances, and score crucial goals has made him one of the most exciting prospects in world football. By earning his first Ballon d’Or nomination at such a young age, Yamal has broken the record previously held by Kylian Mbappé, who was 18 when he received his first nomination.
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