Candidates for the Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi could be the first player in MLS history to win the top individual prize if the field is weak.

The race to be the winner in 2023–24 is well under way.

Since UEFA Euro 2024, the Copa America this summer, the UEFA Champions League, and the European home season are all over, all eyes will now be on the Ballon d’Or for 2023-04. There isn’t a clear winner because a league title, a domestic cup win, and a European win are all great club level accomplishments that can be paired with an international win at either major event. Real Madrid’s players are probably the most similar to that ideal mix, but even Los Blancos did not win the local cup. Because of this, the next award might go to someone who wasn’t expected and isn’t one of the regular suspects.

Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid and England

Rodri: Manchester City and Spain

Toni Kroos: Real Madrid and Germany

Kylian Mbappe: PSG (now Real Madrid) and France

Lionel Messi: Inter Miami and Argentina

Vinicius Junior: Real Madrid and Brazil

James Rodriguez: Sao Paulo and Colombia

Lautaro Martinez: Inter and Argentina

Dani Carvajal: Real Madrid and Spain