Two shock names emerged in the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, according to reports in France.

Two shock names emerged in the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, according to reports in France.

For the first time in almost two decades, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi are in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or.

Indeed, the pair have won 13 Ballon d’Ors between them, with Messi having claimed eight, including last year’s edition, and Ronaldo on five.

But this year, with the duo in the twilight of their respective careers, a new generation of players is set to contest for football’s most lauded individual honour.

Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr have long been in the conversation for this year’s Ballon d’Or, with the former having starred in his first season with the La Liga giants, setting up the latter to score in the Champions League final.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s Rodri is also thought to be among the leading contenders, having helped his club to a record fourth-successive Premier League title and won Spain’s record fourth European Championship title.

Martinez scored the winner in the Copa America final (Getty)

However, according to L’Equipe Argentina star Lautaro Martinez is also in contention for the Ballon d’Or, after scoring five goals in his six Copa America games, including the winner in Sunday’s final.

For Inter last term, Martinez also racked up 24 goals and provided six assists in 33 games for Inter, who claimed the Serie A title.

Meanwhile, the publication has also alleged that Dani Carvajal is in the running.

The right-back won his fourth La Liga title and his sixth Champions League crown at Real Madrid last season, scoring the opening goal in the latter’s final.

Carvajal was also a regular in the Spain team as they won Euro 2024, beating England 2-1 in the competition’s final.

Manchester United are said to be closing in on a deal to sign Leny Yoro.

Leny Yoro’s stats have been compared to Liverpool star Jarell Quansah ahead of his move to Manchester United.

Over the last few weeks, young defender Yoro has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and United.

Although it was first thought that the Frenchman preferred a move to Madrid, it was reported on Wednesday that United were closing in on the deal to sign the 18-year-old.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano wrote on social media: “Leny Yoro to Manchester United, here we go! Deal in place after first part of medical completed.

“More tests to follow then he’s ready to sign five year deal valid until June 2029. Lille and Man United have all documents set for deal worth €50m plus several add-ons.”

Ahead of Yoro’s move to Old Trafford, his stats from the 23/24 season have been compared with highly-rated Liverpool defender Quansah.

The 21-year-old Englishman enjoyed a breakout season under Jurgen Klopp, often partnering Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Liverpool defence.

Getty

According to Squawka, Yoro had a better passing accuracy of 92.16% compared to Quansah’s 88.76%.

However, Quansah came out on top in terms of the number of forward passes, aerial duels won, aerial duel success and ground duels won.

Quansah also made more ball recoveries than Yoro, 5.5 compared to 4.2.

X/@Squawka

Speaking in his first interview with the club, Zirkzee said: “I have a lot of trust and a good feeling about this step. It wasn't a difficult decision. I mean, I love Bologna a lot, but Manchester United just gave me a very, very good feeling.

“I'm confident that what's planned will also happen. It's been a rollercoaster, the past few weeks. Some very good experiences and I'm very happy to be here. Obviously, making a transfer to Manchester United is something very positive.”