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Copa America 2024 and Euro 2024 are set to have a massive impact on how the race for the Ballon d'Or plays out. The continental tournaments will see some of the best players and teams clash.
The best players in the world often come from Europe and the Americas and the competitions will be a fascinating watch for fans and neutrals alike. Legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will play in each tournament and many talented players will represent their countries in the competitions.
We look at five players in action at Copa America 2024 and Euro 2024 who could claim the Ballon d'Or.
#5 Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, France
Kylian Mbappe enjoyed a fine final season with Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 44 and assisting 10 times in 48 appearances across competitions. While he failed to claim the UEFA Champions League, Euro 2024 provides an opportunity to claim continental silverware.
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A potential victory with France could see the PSG legend become a favorite to claim the Ballon d'Or.
#4 Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Argentina
Lionel Messi is having a fine campaign with Inter Miami, scoring 14 goals and 11 assists in 15 games. While MLS success has never been the basis for winning the Ballon d'Or, Copa America 2024 success just might.
Messi has already won the award eight times and Argentina winning the Copa America 2024 could be the lift he needs to claim a ninth.
#3 Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, England
Jude Bellingham was amazing in his debut season with Real Madrid, helping the storied Spanish club to La Liga and Champions League glory. The Englishman contributed 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances for his club and is considered a front-runner for the Ballon d'Or.
Bellingham carries the hopes and dreams of his country to Euro 2024 where he hopes to end their nearly six-decade-long wait for silverware. Victory in the tournament will greatly help his bid to win the Ballon d'Or.
#2 Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, Brazil
Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior was one of the best players in the world last season. The 23-year-old played a vital role for Los Blancos, bagging 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances as the Spanish outfit won both La Liga and the Champions League.
Vinicius is also widely expected to challenge for the Ballon d'Or in October. A win at Copa America 2024 will help his cause and add another medal to his collection.
#1 Harry Kane, Bayern Munich, England
Harry Kane is the player that will most benefit from a strong continental showing this summer. The Englishman had a phenomenal debut season with Bayern Munich, scoring 44 goals and assisting 12 in 45 games. Kane's impressive season was undercut by the Bavarian giants ending the season trophyless.
A tournament win at Euro 2024 will be Kane's first trophy and England's first in 58 years. A strong tournament could see the striker put himself in contention for the Ballon d'Or in October.
