For those who follow StarsPay’s articles, it’s no secret that sports betting options go far beyond simply betting on the outcomes of sporting events. In addition to dozens of different market options and the possibility of placing a bet on events like elections, major international awards also appear in many operators’ catalogs, including the Ballon d’Or.
What is the Ballon d’Or?
One of the most prestigious awards in the world’s most popular sport, the Ballon d’Or has been awarded annually by France Football magazine since 1956. The award considers individual performance, titles won, and influence on the game to determine who was the best football player in the world each year.
The award’s top winner is Lionel Messi, who has claimed eight Ballon d’Or trophies, including the 2023 award. He is followed by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the honor five times, while the third position is shared by Dutch legends Johan Cruijff and Marco van Basten, and Frenchman Michel Platini.
Among Brazilians, five players have won the award. Ronaldo Fenômeno is the only Brazilian with two Ballon d’Or trophies, won in 1997 and 2002. Rivaldo, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, and Kaká have also reached the top of the award, and it seems that in 2024, Brazil is poised to add another trophy.
Brazil at the Top
For 2024, betting houses place Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid’s forward, as the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or. In one operator’s listing, the Brazilian has odds of 1.33 to take the award, while Spain’s Rodri, a Manchester City midfielder, comes in second with odds of 3.25. Vinicius’s teammate, England’s Jude Bellingham, is the third most likely winner, paying 15 to 1 on a popular betting site.
