The latest Ballon d’Or power rankings come as a huge shock as an unexpected favorite emerges as a frontrunner after the Euro and Copa America 2024 finals, displacing Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham from their positions .
Prior to the Euro and Copa America, Sports Buddy reported that Vinicius and Bellingham were favorites to win the award due to their exploits with Real Madrid last season.
Twists in latest Ballon d’Or rankings
However, the tide seems to have turned with the latest power rankings released by Goal, as Manchester City midfielder Rodri currently leads the race following his Euro 2024 triumph with Spain.
Rodri won the English Premier League last season with the Cityzens. The 28-year-old midfielder was very instrumental in achieving this feat, with City losing just one game with him in the team.
His recent European Championship triumph with Spain has now pushed him to the top of the Ballon d’Or power ranking, having barely made the top five prior to the tournament.
As Rodri sits at the at the top of the rankings, Vinicius and Bellingham hold second and third place, respectively, and Real Madrid defender Dini Carvajal, surprisingly, comes in fourth despite not being among the frontrunners before the tournament.
Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez, who had a great Copa America tournament following his Serie A triumph with Inter Milan, has made a great leap into fifth position.
