The date of the 2024 UEFA Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Paris is set

The highly anticipated Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in Paris on October 28, as revealed by UEFA, the new organizer of football’s most prestigious awards event. The announcement came on Thursday, setting the stage for a night that will honor the best talents in the sport.

Nominations for the awards will be unveiled on September 4, giving voters ample time to consider standout performances from the European Championship, Copa América for men, and the Olympic tournament in Paris for women.

Among the favorites for the men’s award are Real Madrid stars Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Toni Kroos.

The trio played pivotal roles in securing both the Champions League and La Liga titles for their club.

Notably, Kroos, who plans to retire after representing Germany in Euro 2024, has never finished in the top three for the Ballon d’Or.

In the women’s category, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí and Alèxia Putellas, both former Ballon d’Or winners, are expected to be strong contenders after leading their team to another Champions League victory with decisive goals in the final against Lyon.

Voters will evaluate players based on individual performances, team achievements, and adherence to fair play principles.

The Ballon d’Or, first presented by France Football in 1956 for men and in 2018 for women, has now partnered with UEFA to enhance the event’s marketing and organization.

The ceremony will be held at a theater in central Paris, promising a glamorous evening in the heart of the French capital.

Last year’s top honors went to Lionel Messi and Bonmatí, following their respective World Cup triumphs.

New to this year’s awards are categories for the best male and female coaches, recognizing the strategic minds behind the game’s top teams.