Frank Christian
Not too long ago, Jude Bellingham was widely recognized as a top contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
With the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – who have claimed the award 13 times since 2007, only interrupted by Luka Modric (2018) and Karim Benzema (2022) – it seems a new winner is on the horizon. Bellingham is among the nominees, alongside Real Madrid teammates Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, and Kylian Mbappé, with Vinicius currently favored by bookmakers.
The accolade is determined by eight factors, primarily focused on individual and team performances, achievements, on-field excellence, and sportsmanship as evaluated by the France Football voting panel.
Complete list of 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees | Historical Ballon d’Or winners | Evaluation criteria for the winner
Achievements of Jude Bellingham in 2023/24
Bellingham significantly influenced Real Madrid’s successful 2023/24 season, contributing to both their La Liga and UEFA Champions League victories.
He played a critical part in the double triumph, providing an assist for Vinicius’s goal in their Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
His stellar start to the season saw him score 13 goals in his first 12 matches for Madrid, a striking improvement compared to his previous tally of 12 goals in 92 league matches for Dortmund.
By the season’s end, he earned places in the Champions League and La Liga teams of the season. Individually, he received the Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year, the Champions League Young Player of the Season, and the coveted Golden Boy award.
On the international front, Bellingham has become vital for England, notably scoring a magnificent overhead kick to equalize against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 round of 16, where England ultimately reached the final.
Despite their loss to Spain in the final, Bellingham’s contributions were invaluable, though he faced criticism during some parts of the tournament.
“Sometimes it feels like there’s a pile-on from the fans… moments like tonight throw it back to some people”
Jude Bellingham on how England’s dramatic 2-1 win over Slovakia can hush the doubters… pic.twitter.com/bK3D24sKXq
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 30, 2024
Statistics of Jude Bellingham for 2023/24
In 2024, Bellingham played 11 matches for England, scoring four goals, including a standout against Slovakia.
Here are his detailed statistics from all competitions for Real Madrid in the 2023/24 season:
| La Liga | Copa del Rey | Champions League | Other | Total | |
| Appearances | 28 | 1 | 11 | 2 | 42 |
| Goals | 19 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 23 |
| Assists | 6 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 13 |
Standout Performances of Jude Bellingham in 2023/24
Bellingham commenced the season with notable performances, scoring on his debut with a skillful half-volley against Athletic Bilbao. He followed this with two goals and an assist against Almería, later netting the decisive goal at Celta Vigo, which earned him the La Liga Player of the Month award for August.
In October, he excelled in his first Clasico, scoring twice and steering Madrid to a crucial 2-1 victory over Barcelona, with a stunning long-range shot included.
Carlo Ancelotti praised his performance, stating, “He seems like a veteran, the equalizer shifted the game’s momentum,” highlighting his magnificent goal from distance.
Bellingham also shone internationally, scoring the sole goal against Serbia in their opening Euro 2024 match, earning Man of the Match honors. That memorable goal against Slovakia led to his signature celebration, where he stands with arms outstretched, exclaiming, “Who else?”.
The Case for Jude Bellingham to Win the 2024 Ballon d’Or
Even though Bellingham is not currently the frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, he has demonstrated an exceptional capability that aligns closely with Vinicius’s performances.
In terms of goals and assists for the season, Bellingham’s contributions are on par with those of his Madrid colleague, even surpassing Vinicius in total goal contributions.
Moreover, while he hasn’t won international honors with England, neither has Vinicius with Brazil. Bellingham played a crucial role in leading England to the Euro final, contrasting with Vinicius, whose Brazil exited in the Copa America quarter-finals.
Though Vinicius has achieved notable off-field recognition, Bellingham has transformed into a global sports figure this past year, gracing video game covers and advertisements while engaging with fans for selfies and autographs.
Arguments are valid for both Vinicius and Rodri from Manchester City, but Bellingham’s accomplishments speak for themselves and might even warrant stronger consideration.
