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Copa America 2024 is set to begin on June 20. The Golden Ball will be awarded to the best player in the competition.
Many talented players are competing to claim the Golden Ball. In this listicle, we go through the five players most likely to win the award:
Five players who could win the Golden Ball at Copa America 2024
#5 Rodrygo (Brazil)
Brazil No. 10 Rodrygo heads into the competition with the expectation of his nation on his back. The Real Madrid forward is a hard-working and tricky player capable of producing magic on the pitch.
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Rodrygo comes into Copa America 2024 off a fabulous campaign with Real Madrid, winning three titles. He contributed 17 goals and nine assists in 51 games across competitions, winning the La Liga and UEFA Champions League.
#4 Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the best team on the planet and is a favorite to claim the Golden Ball. The Uruguayan international played 54 times last season, scoring three times and providing eight assists from the heart of midfield.
Valverde will hope to help veteran head coach Marcelo Bielsa lead Uruguay to victory at Copa America 2024. If the Uruguayans have a strong tournament, the Real Madrid midfielder could be in contention to claim the Golden Ball.
#3 Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)
Lautaro Martinez is a valid goal threat and will be one of the favorites to claim the Golden Ball and even the Golden Shoe at Copa America 2024. The Inter Milan striker will lead the line for reigning champions Argentina and will have the mercurial Lionel Messi for support.
Martinez comes into the tournament with 27 goals and seven assists in 44 games across competitions last season. He will hope to keep his scoring boots on and help La Albiceleste retain their title.
#2 Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi will always feature high on this list because of his ability on the ball. At 36, the legendary Argentine could be making his last Copa America appearance.
The Barcelona legend will hope to help his team retain the trophy. Messi arrives in good form, scoring 14 goals and laying out 11 assists in 15 games across competitions for Inter Miami in the 2024 season.
#1 Vinicius Junior (Brazil)
Vinicius Junior is the favorite to win not just the Golden Ball at Copa America this summer but also the Ballon d'Or in Paris in October. The Brazilian had an exceptional season with Real Madrid, bagging 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions.
The Brazilian will hope that he can take his club form to the international stage and help his country to Copa America 2024 glory. Vini Jr will be key to his country's bid and will hope to add another winner's medal to his impressive collection.
