Having been spoiled by international football over the summer, both Euro 2024 and the Copa America have come to dramatic conclusions.
The football frenzy threw up some surprises across two continents, but there were familiar winners as Spain triumphed in Europe and Argentina in the Americas.
While some of the most anticipated stars in world football underwhelmed, there were others who thrived on the big stage. For Spanish and Argentinian players, winning continental honours has thrust them even further into the spotlight.
Of course, those who shone on the international stage will have been handed a significant advantage in the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. With the winner being crowned in late October, the favourites to be named the world’s best player may have changed.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees will be announced in early September and will be judged on their displays between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024. Effectively, this summer’s Euros and Copa America offered the final opportunity for players to influence opinion.
Therefore, those who struggled at these tournaments may have played themselves out of contention. For example, Erling Haaland’s chances of winning this year’s award have taken a hit given Norway failed to even reach Euro 2024, offering him fewer opportunities to impress. This has always proved an issue for players who represent smaller nations.
Players who have performed well this summer will have done their chances of the Ballon d’Or no harm. Spain and Argentina squad members will have been given an extra boost, as will those who went deep into each tournament.
However, international impressions only count for so much. James Rodriguez won Player of the Tournament in the Copa America as Colombia finished runners-up, but he will be nowhere near the Ballon d’Or nominations.
Before a ball was kicked at Euro 2024 and the Copa America, two Real Madrid stars led the race for the Ballon d’Or. They were Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, both of whom suffered disappointment with their national teams. The former struggled to save a subpar Brazil side, while the latter tasted defeat in the final to Spain.
They may well have fallen behind Manchester City star Rodri in the rankings. The Spanish general helped his country to a record fourth European crown this summer and earned the award for Player of the Tournament following his exceptional displays for Euro 2024’s best performing side.
Dani Carvajal and Lamine Yamal both starred for Spain too, the latter winning Young Player of the Tournament, but it seems unlikely that they will claim the Ballon d’Or despite potential nominations. Carvajal’s Champions League final goal and subsequent victory with Real Madrid makes him a surprise candidate for the accolade.
Lionel Messi, the current holder of the award, is seldom too far away from the Ballon d’Or. The record eight-time winner helped Argentina to another Copa America title this summer, but the South American side relied on Inter star Lautaro Martinez more than anyone else. Fresh from winning Serie A and finishing as the competition’s top scorer, he then helped himself to the Golden Boot at the Copa America following five strikes, one of which was the winner in the final.
England star Phil Foden could be among the nominees after winning the Premier League Player of the Season prize for 2023/24, but his disappointing displays for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 have surely ended his slim hopes of winning the award.
Bundesliga Player of the Season Florian Wirtz may have been in with a shout had Germany triumphed on home soil, but they fell to Spain at the quarter-final stage despite Wirtz scoring a late equaliser to take that match to extra time.
You only have to look back to last year’s Ballon d’Or to see the impact that major international tournaments have on voting. The 2023 edition was won by Messi, who had dazzled for Argentina as he claimed the World Cup for the first time in his career in Qatar at the end of 2022.
Despite Erling Haaland powering Man City to a treble with his relentless goalscoring, the Norwegian – who missed out on the World Cup as Norway failed to qualify – had to settle for second place.
In 2018, Luka Modric won the Ballon d’or after helping Croatia reach the final of the World Cup, while Jorginho finished a surprise third in the 2021 Ballon d’Or after winning the delayed Euro 2020 with Italy. However, it’s worth noting that both players also won the Champions League in the same year.