Ballon d'Or 2024: Rankings 26 to 29 revealed as Declan Rice finishes above Mats Hummels
The Ballon d'Or final countdown is officially underway, and France Football have started revealing the ranks of the Top 30 nominees. Artem Dovbyk and Mats Hummels have finished as joint-ranked 29th for the award this year.
The Ukranirain forward had a great season with Girona, scoring 24 goals and assisting 10 times in his only season with the Spanish side. His tremendous performance saw him move to Atletico Madrid in the summer of this year.
Meanwhile, Hummels played a key role in Borussia Dortmund's season, where they finished as UEFA Champions League runners-up. The German left the club at the end of the season and joined AS Roma on a free transfer.
Alejandro Grimaldo has finished at rank 28th this year following his impressive season with Bayer Leverkusen. The left-back was a vital part of Xabi Alonso's side that went unbeaten in the league and lifted the title for the first time in their history. They also won the DFB-Pokal and reached the UEFA Europa League final.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG_ star Vitinha is ranked 27th in the award, while Declan Rice completed the bottom five of the award this year. While the Portuguese star helped his club with the Ligue1 title, the Englishman finished second in the Premier League and EURO 2024.
Real Madrid set to snub Ballon d'Or 2024 gala: Reports
Real Madrid have reportedly decided not to attend the Ballon d'Or gala in Paris today. The Spanish side are furious after reports emerged that Vinicius Jr was not winning the Ballon d'Or.
Manchester City star Rodri is reportedly set to take home the award after helping the club win the Premier League. The midfielder also played a key role in Spain winning the EURO 2024, though he was taken off at halftime in the final. He won the Player of the Tournament award.
Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr was central to Real Madrid winning the league, Supercopa de Espana, and the UEFA Champions League. However, he could not replicate his form for Brazil in Copa America as Brazil were eliminated in the quarter-finals.