AFCON 2025
Our 2024 wrap continues as we turn our attention to the five best footballers of the year.
Who will be crowned Player of the Year? Rodri or Vinicius Junior? stick around to find out.
5. Jude Bellingham
Bellingham comes in at number 5, despite his part in Real winning the league and Champions League, scoring 23 times and being named La Liga’s player of the season in the process. He was also pivotal in England’s run to the final of the European Championship.
He had a dip in form, failing to score a goal for his club between May and November.
4. Lamine Yamal
The Barcelona teenager has taken the world by storm, scoring and assisting almost on a weekly basis. He has been the standout performer for Barcelona this year and was the young player of the tournament during Spain’s triumphant EURO 2024 run.
At 17, Yamal is one of the best players in the world.
3. Erling Haaland
He missed Euro 2024 due to Norway’s usual failure to qualify but was instrumental as the champions won their fourth consecutive league title.
Still, he started the new season with two hat-tricks and 10 goals in total in his first five games.
Since that 10-goal blast in the first month of the season, he’s scored only three further league goals.
He’s still scored 18 goals in 24 games this season but Manchester City are in crisis, which is not helping his form.
2. Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid talisman Vinicius Junior comes in at number 2 on our list after an incredible 2024.
The Brazilian scored twice in the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich and the final against Borussia Dortmund.
However, he was hugely disappointing for Brazil in the Copa America, which likely cost him to lose the Ballon d’Or.
1. Rodri
Top of our list is the Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Manchester City man has had an incredible 2024, leading Pep Guardiola’s men to their fourth consecutive league title and Spain to European glory.
He is the tempo setter, metronome, and leader of both teams and in his absence, his greatness shines through.
