The dream clash of the two frontrunners for the 2024 Ballon d’Or won’t be happening. Kylian Mbappé’s PSG crashed out of the Champions League, leaving the path a little clearer for Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid’s midfield maestro.

Bellingham’s Path Widens with PSG’s Exit

The English international was already the slight favourite with British bookies before the semi-finals. Now, if he helps Real Madrid reach the final against Borussia Dortmund, his chances look even better. The only wrinkle in this plan? The Euros are happening right after the season’s close, giving both Bellingham and Mbappé, who lead two of the favourites, another chance to shine on the international stage.

Haaland Out of the Running?

This double whammy of Champions League and Euros exits knocks Erling Haaland out of contention. He was neck-and-neck with Bellingham and Mbappé in the odds not long ago, but Manchester City’s early exit and Norway’s failure to qualify for the Euros mean he won’t have the same platform to impress in the coming months.

So, who will win the Ballon d’Or according to the bookies?

1. Jude Bellingham: Odds of 3.5
2. Kylian Mbappé: 3.75
3. Harry Kane: 7
4. Vinícius Júnior: 9.5
5. Erling Haaland: 10 (odds getting longer!)
6. Phil Foden: 12
7. Rodri: 12