As we close the chapter on 2024, the world of football has been left in awe by the exceptional talents of a few outstanding players. These athletes have showcased their skills, dedication, and passion for the sport. From goal scorers to defenders, each has played a pivotal role in their teams, leaving an indelible mark on football this year.
As we step into what promises to be another intense year, let’s take a look back at some of the best players in 2024. Let’s hope that their performance will give us many more moments of joy – and many more wins at Betway sports betting.
Top Goalscorers: Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé
Source: keepup.com.au
Harry Kane’s journey to becoming one of the world’s leading strikers is a tale of perseverance and hard work. From his humble beginnings at Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academy, Kane has become a goal-scoring machine.
His 2024 performance was a masterclass in finishing, with 52 goals across all competitions. His versatility and a keen eye for goals have made him a pivotal player for both his club and country.
Kylian Mbappé, on the other hand, burst onto the scene with his explosive speed and exceptional talent. Rising to fame with Monaco and solidifying his status at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé has become a global football icon.
In 2024, he matched Kane’s record, scoring 52 goals. His ability to glide past defenders and his clinical finishing have been crucial for PSG and the French national team. Both players have been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or but they were both ultimately beaten by football legend Lionel Messi. Messi won his 8th Golden Ball last year.
Best Defender: Éder Militão
Source: goal.com
Éder Militão’s rise to the top is a story of rapid development and adaptability. Starting in Brazil with São Paulo and moving to the European stage with FC Porto, Militão eventually found his footing at Real Madrid.
In 2024, his performances were outstanding. His strong tackles, excellent positioning, and aerial dominance made Real Madrid’s defense stronger. Militão has become known for his reliability, agility, and intelligence on the field.
At the age of 25, Militão already has some very impressive accolades to be proud of. He was part of Brazil’s squad at the 2018 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He played 30 matches with the Brazilian National Team.
He was part of Real Madrid’s squad that defeated Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup finals. Plus, he was part of the lineup that won the UEFA Super Cup last year. Militão earned the title of the Best Defender despite being sidelined by a serious injury last August.
Best Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Source: eurosport.com
Thibaut Courtois’ path to becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the world has been marked by consistency and excellence. From his early days at Genk in Belgium to his time at Chelsea and eventually Real Madrid, Courtois has consistently proven his worth.
In 2024, his remarkable reflexes, commanding presence, and leadership were on full display. His ability to make crucial saves in key moments and his calming influence on the defense have been invaluable to his team.
The winner of the 2022 Yashin Trophy, Courtois has performed remarkably at a series of major events. He helped Belgium advance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and helped them qualify for the EURO 2024. Unfortunately, he was sidelined last August by a major injury.
Top Assist Provider: Joey Veerman
Source: khelnow.com
Joey Veerman may not be as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, but his impact on the pitch is undeniable. Starting his career in the Netherlands, Veerman has developed into an insightful midfielder. In 2024, he distinguished himself as the top assist provider. His exceptional ability to read the game, combined with his precise passing, has made him an essential player.
Veerman provided 10 assists in his last Eredivisie season and 9 already in the 2024/2024 season of the Dutch first division.
Honourable Mention: Gianluigi Buffon
Source: snl24.com
Gianluigi Buffon’s career is a testament to longevity and excellence in football. Starting at Parma, and spending the majority of his career at Juventus, Buffon has been an iconic figure in football.
Even in 2024, at an age when many players have retired, Buffon continued to perform at a high level. His experience, skill, and leadership qualities have not only helped his team but also inspired younger players.
Buffon retired from professional football at the end of the 2022-2024 Serie B season. But he maintained his record of the most career clean sheets on record, with 501.
The achievements of these players in 2024 are a reminder of the heights that talent, dedication, and hard work can reach in football. Kane and Mbappé have set new standards in goal-scoring. Militão and Courtois have redefined defensive and goalkeeping prowess.
Joey Veerman has emerged as a top playmaker, demonstrating the importance of assists in the game. And Buffon continues to inspire with his enduring skills and passion for football.
We have another exciting year ahead of us, with lots of quality football action. We start the year with the current edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, showcasing the continent’s top talent. Certainly, some of the players we get to know will show up at major European cups.
At the same time, we are preparing for the 2024 UEFA European Championship and the Copa América editions, with more top talent on the turf. All this is on top of the countless matches we can follow in the national football leagues around Europe and beyond.
The many high-profile matches played this year will allow many talented players to shine. And they also come with the opportunity for us to bet on them. There’s just one thing that all of you should always keep in mind: betting on football is only fun as long as you do it responsibly and within your means!
Here’s to more top players to emerge in 2024 so we can celebrate football together with them!
