Ballon d’Or 2024 Candidates: Jude Bellingham, Haaland, Mbappe Lead As Messi, Ronaldo Bow Out

• Lionel Messi will possibly never compete for the Ballon d'Or award again
• Messi bagged a record eighth title months after joining MLS side Inter Miami
• We take a look at the frontrunners for next year's awards three months into the new season

Lionel Messi rose for the eighth time in his career to receive the Ballon d'Or award in front of a star-studded audience in Paris.

As he made his way towards David Beckham and the show's hosts, Didier Drogba and Sandy Heribert, it wasn't lost on many people that this could be the last time we will ever see the Argentine at such a ceremony.

At 36 years of age and no longer playing in a top league, it will require a huge miracle for Messi to pull weight again in the Ballon d'Or awards. The same script goes with his arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. This leaves a huge question as to who will take over.

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In August, just as all the major leagues kicked off, we compiled a list of 5 possible 2024 Ballon d'Or candidates. In light of recent events, we have revised the list and as it stands, we think the following will have a huge say on who succeeds Messi next year.

5. Robert Lewandowski - Barcelona, Poland

The Pole striker hasn't reached the 'machine' levels he had at Bayern Munich, but his ability in front of goal remains. Barcelona might be mired in debt issues, but they have somehow managed to assemble a squad that can compete for all the major honours.

If Lewandowski can star in a Xavi Hernandez side that wins the Champions League title and other domestic cups, he might be in business.

4. Erling Haaland - Manchester City, Norway

The Manchester City ace should probably rank higher, but Norway's inability to qualify for the Euro 2024 (yet) could dampen his hopes the same way they did this year with the World Cup.

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At a club level, he continues to be mesmerising for Pep Guardiola. It might still be early days, but the Cityzens have the capability of repeating last season's heroics. They sit just two points behind league leaders Tottenham Hotspur without the influential Kevin De Bruyne.

3. Kylian Mbappe - Paris Saint-Germain, France

We had omitted him last time out before his future was settled. Now that he looks likely to complete another season in the French capital, the pacy forward will have another opportunity to lead Paris Saint-Germain to a maiden Champions League title.

The thumping at Newcastle didn't bode well, but they offered a great response against AC Milan. After a series of top 10 finishes, you get the feeling that should Mbappe shine for PSG until the latter stages of the Champions League, then lead France to Euro glory, he might finally win the award at age 25.

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2. Harry Kane - Bayern Munich, England

Now that he is in a team known for its mentality on the grandest of stages, Harry Kane has a platform to get something substantial from his career apart from the numerous goals.

He is off to a perfect start under Thomas Tuchel in Germany, but he will need to keep the fire burning towards Champions League glory, and then lead the Three Lions at Euro 2024 to further boost his chances.

1. Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid, England

If the season was to be cancelled today, nobody would deserve the award more than Jude Bellingham. The new Real Madrid signing has slotted in beautifully in Spain, averaging a goal every game.

It is even more impressive that as a midfielder, he is competing against recognised forwards and goalscorers. Los Blancos winning the Champions League is never out of the question until the last minute.

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If he can get that and add a decent showing in Germany next year, then he will be back on the Ballon d'Or podium, only this time to pick up the biggest of trophies.

Honourable mentions

Mohamed Salah is off to a terrific start this season, but the fact that Liverpool aren't in the Champions League could jeopardise his chances. He will, however, have a chance to gain continental glory in the form of the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt next year.

Antoine Griezmann continues to be a shining light for Atletico Madrid and with the strength of the French squad, he might be in the fray next year.

Bellingham might be hogging all the headlines in Spain, but we shouldn't forget the prodigy and talent that is Vinicius Junior. With Neymar possibly out of next year's Copa America, the onus will be on him to lead the Selecao.

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