Ballon d’Or 2024 winner odds: Vinicius Junior and Rodri favourites as Jude Bellingham drifts, Lionel Messi 22/1

REAL MADRID and Brazil superstar Vinicius Junior is favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

That’s according to bookmakers William Hill, who’ve updated their betting markets following the conclusion of the European Championships and Copa America.

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However, it’s far from a foregone conclusion with Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri now second favourite for the prized personal accolade.

Vinicius (5/4) enjoyed a highly profitable campaign in Spain having captured a record-extending 36th La Liga title, the Spanish Supercopa and the Champions League for the 15th time.

The explosive 24-year-old scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 appearances for his club with a stunning 11 goal involvements (6 goals, 5 assists) in the Champions League.

He’s understandably the favourite heading into the 68th annual ceremony of the Ballon d’Or, which takes place on October 8th at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.

But there’s now strong competition from elsewhere.

Rodri, 28, was available at 6/1 for the trophy before the competition but is now offered at 9/4 after he was awarded the Player of the Tournament in Germany.

The Spaniard also played a pivotal role in Manchester City being crowned 2023-24 Premier League champions – the first men’s team in the history of English football to win four top-flight titles in a row.

Jude Bellingham is offered at 13/2, ahead of Euros winners Dani Carvajal and breakthrough talent Lamine Yamal, who are available at 8/1 and 10/1 respectively.

There’s a huge jump to the remaining contenders with eight-time winner Lionel Messi the best of the rest at 22/1 after Argentina’s Copa America success.

Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and the now retired Toni Kross are all tied together at 25/1 with Cristiano Ronaldo a distant 80/1 with William Hill.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Spanish midfielder Rodri is now second favourite to win the Ballon d’Or, following Spain’s victory over England in Berlin on Sunday night.

“We’ve cut the Manchester City ace’s odds to 9/4 from 6/1 to win after he was awarded the Player of the Tournament in Germany.

“Meanwhile, runner-up Jude Bellingham’s odds have drifted to 13/2 from 13/8. Vinicius Junior continues to lead the race for the award at 5/4, despite Brazil’s surprising exit from this year’s Copa America.

“Vinicius’ club performances with Champions League winners Real Madrid might still secure him top spot in the final vote.

“Vinicius’ Real team-mate Dani Carvajal is 8/1 after adding the European Championship to his medal tally while we’ve priced Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal at 10/1.”

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