“I’m ready to compete for it” - Lautaro Martinez talks up 2024 Ballon d'Or chances after admitting he ‘suffered’ in recent years
Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez sounds optimistic about his Ballon d'Or chances after a superb season with club and country. The 27-year-old has plied his club football with Inter Milan since 2018.
Martinez contributed 27 goals and seven assists in 44 games across competitions for the Nerazzurri last season. That included 24 goals and six assists in 33 outings in Serie A as Inter won their second Scudetto in four years.
In the summer, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner sizzled in his country's triumphant 2024 Copa America campaign, scoring five times in six games. That included an extra-time winner in the 1-0 win over Colombia in the final as Lionel Scaloni's side became the first 16-time Copa champions.
Martinez was expectedly named in the 30-man shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or, receiving his third nomination for the prestigious award (also 2021, 2023). However, after finishing 21st in 2021 and 20th two years later, the Argentine wants to fare better this time. He said (as per Mundo Albiceleste):
“The Ballon d’Or? For the season I had, I deserve to be where I am. Because I have worked hard and suffered a lot in previous years. It’s the second time in a row that I’ve been in this ceremony. I think I’m ready to compete for it.”
The 2024 Ballon d'Or is guaranteed to see a first-time winner after all four active former winners - Cristiano Ronaldo (2008, 2013-14, 2016-17), Lionel Messi (2009-12, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023), Karim Benzema (2022) and Luka Modric (2018) - were snubbed.
Who are the other contenders for the 2024 Ballon d'Or?
The 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or - as mentioned above - will see a first-time winner. The list is dominated by players from Real Madrid - who won three titles last season - including the La Liga-UEFA Champions League double - and Spain, who won Euro 2024.
Real Madrid are prominently represented, with Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos (now retired) and Federico Valverde. Euro 2024 winner and Manchester City midfielder Rodri is also a contender as is his club teammate Erling Haaland.
Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams and new Barca attacker Dani Olmo - all Euro 2024 winners - are some of the other contenders for the coveted award, the winner of which will be announced on October 28 in Paris.