The night of October 30th saw Lionel Messi once again grab the spotlight. The Argentinian superstar managed to write his name in the history books after winning his eighth Ballon d’Or. Despite Erling Haaland getting backed by many to lift his first prestigious award, the soccer fraternity saw La Pulga on the podium and received a standing ovation from the entire crowd present at the Théâtre du Châtelet.

While part of the soccer world continues to hail the Inter Miami star for his recent achievement, others are frustrated by not seeing Haaland win the Golden Ball. Although everyone is moving forward with the case that he or Kylian Mbappe will win it next time, there is still a disclaimer asterisk. Despite the potential end to the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d’Or era, why will neither Haaland nor Mbappe win the award? Are there other horses in the race? Let’s dive deeper.

The end of Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or era paves the way for a new age

Of course, to move ahead to potential future winners, we must take a special moment to honor the iconic end of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or era that is etched in the annals of soccer. One must also understand how these stars are unlikely to win the award now, which will pave the way for generational talents like Haaland or Mbappe to win one.

Significantly, Messi and Ronaldo have eventually dominated far more than just the soccer landscape. It also includes the iconic Ballon d’Or awards. Witnessing these two win the award made everyone forget that the award is for others as well. But everyone enjoyed it while it lasted. From 2008 to 2023, only Luka Modric and Karim Benzema managed to clinch their first-ever Ballon d’Or. The remaining, of course, came into the accounts of CR7 and LM10.

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Moreover, Modric and Benzema winning the coveted award despite the presence of Messi and Ronaldo was already a sign that their dominance was coming to an end. However, this time, one saw precisely how it officially ended, given that Messi won it probably for the last time. Well, now that they have both left Europe, there’s certainly no chance whatsoever for them to win it until a return to Europe is on the cards.

However, that won’t be happening, as they are 36 and 38, respectively, with both players reaching the twilight years of their careers. Hence, the end of the Messi-Ronaldo era officially paves the way for generational talents to clinch the award.

Nonetheless, it might not be Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland for the next season.

Why Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe may not win the next Ballon d’Or?

Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are the two names that have often been likened to Messi and Ronaldo. Within years, both generational talents have gotten close to these legends. So, of course, in the absence of these veterans, either youngster is the obvious pick for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. But brace yourselves, as there is another name to win the coveted trophy.

The name is none other than Jude Bellingham. This season, the England international continues to prove why he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or before Haaland and Mbappe. Remarkably, in the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony, the midfielder didn’t go home empty-handed as he lifted this year’s Kopa Trophy. Furthermore, ever since his $111 million move to Real Madrid, the 23-year-old has suddenly found his stardom.

In 13 matches, Bellingham scored 13 goals and created three assists so far. Certainly, these numbers underline the bold statement that Bellingham is coming to haunt Haaland and Mbappe. A midfielder showing quality like a natural striker is a no-brainer as to why he has an edge. Haaland’s 13 goals in 15 games and Mbappe’s 12 goals in 12 games are still pretty impressive as strikers. But we hope you got the point about Bellingham’s remarkable stats!

Why Didn’t Erling Haaland Win the Ballon d’Or in 2023, Despite European Treble & Golden Boot?

Yet in the end, whether PSG, Manchester City, or Real Madrid manage to out-muscle every team in Europe, this will automatically influence each youngster’s resume. Plus, the 2024 Euros is another factor where all three can decide their careers for the next Ballon d’Or.

Who else is in line for the Ballon d’Or?

Well, Bellingham isn’t the only hurdle in the way of Haaland or Mbappe. After seeing Messi and Ronaldo out of the Ballon d’Or race, anyone can win it. The first name is Harry Kane. The England international got a lifeline to add trophies to his CV after leaving Tottenham for Bayern Munich. While the domestic trophy journey possibly going to the German giants, it’s the Champions League where the Bavarians need to go the extra mile.

Also, Robert Lewandowski, who missed out on the award in 2020 due to COVID-19, can try. However, it depends on whether he keeps his numbers up and whether his domestic side, Barcelona, is ready to give their No. 9 a silverware push (especially the UCL). Kevin De Bruyne is another prospect, but with Haaland on the team, the chances are slim. The same goes for Vinicius Jr., as long as he shares the locker room with Bellingham.

Watch this story: LeBron James, James Harden, Trae Young, and Other NBA Stars Give Lionel Messi His Flowers After Argentina’s FIFA World Cup Win

These are some potential names that are in line for the Ballon d’Or. However, anything can happen with the soccer calendar yet to finish. Till then, fans can judge who can win it. Nevertheless, let us know your thoughts if there’s any other player who can win the Ballon d’Or before Haaland or Mbappe.