Sergio Aguero reveals who should win 2024 Ballon d'Or, snubs Real Madrid stars

Sergio Aguero reveals who should win 2024 Ballon d'Or, snubs Real Madrid stars

• The 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist has been announced, and it includes the likes of Rodri, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr
• For the first time in 20 years, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo were missing from the list
• Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has made his pick, snubbing Real Madrid stars

The 2024 Ballon d'Or nominees have been announced, and Real Madrid and Manchester City stars dominated the list.

For the first time in two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were not nominated, signalling the end of their dominance.

Former Manchester City and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has made his pick for the award.

The list of 30 players was announced on Wednesday, and the winner will be disclosed in October. Eight-time winner Messi and Ronaldo, the five-time winner, did not feature in the list.

The two football legends won a combined 13 Ballon d'Ors since 2008. Ronaldo was first nominated in 2004, while Messi was nominated for the first time in 2006, per ESPN.

Some of the notable nominees include Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.

Sergio Aguero Ballon d'Or pick

The legendary Premier League striker picked Man City and Spain midfielder Rodri to win the 2024 award, per GOAL.

"A perfect year, you deserve it. Come on Rodri 😎😎🤟🏽."

Rodri is regarded as the best deep-lying midfielder in the world, and his impact has been felt at club and international levels.

Last season, he helped Pep Guardiola's side win their fourth Premier League title in a row. He was also instrumental in Spain's incredible Euro 2024 triumph.

His closest competitor is Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, who scored important goals in the Champions League, including in the final at Wembley.

His teammate Jude Bellingham is also a serious contender following a historic first season at Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich and England's Harry Kane is also among the top contenders following his Bundesliga Golden Boot.

Biggest Ballon d'Or robberies

TUKO.co.ke earlier listed the top 5 Ballon d'Or robberies over the years.

The award is steeped in controversy, with players who deserved to win the award being overlooked.

Some notable robberies include Theirry Henry in the early 2000s, Robert Lewandowski in 2020, and Wesley Sneijder in 2010.