Ballon d’Or 2024 Winner Revealed Ahead of Official Ceremony: Victorious Path of Vinicius Jr unfolds

1/5: Vinicius Jr is poised to win the Ballon d'Or 2024, surpassing competition from Rodri and Jude Bellingham for the prestigious accolade. / Image: AP

2/5: Real Madrid's Vinicius played a pivotal role in their UEFA Champions League victory, scoring in the final against Borussia Dortmund. / Image: AP

3/5: The Ballon d'Or award ceremony is scheduled for October 28 in Paris, with Vinicius set to be officially recognized as the world's best player. / Image: AP

4/5: Vinicius Jr's impressive season, with 24 goals and 11 assists, strengthens his bid for the Ballon d'Or, showcasing his status as one of football's best. / Image: AP

5/5: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were absent from the Ballon d'Or shortlist, ending their dominant streak in the accolade that they both previously claimed multiple times. / Image: AP