Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Declan Rice have been named among the world’s best players in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.

Odegaard was the highest-ranked Gunner at 19th.

Meanwhile, Saka placed 21st, Saliba 24th, and Rice 26th on the elite list, demonstrating their remarkable individual performances.

Although the top prize is expected to go to either Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior or Manchester City’s Rodri, Arsenal’s representatives have received much-deserved recognition.

The rankings show the development and consistency of Arsenal’s young players, particularly Odegaard Saka, who has been critical to the team’s success.

HOT ROD Rodri wins Ballon d’Or after great season with Man City and Spain, as Real Madrid boycott ceremony over Vinicius’ rejection.

REAL MADRID boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony after Rodri defeated Vinicius Jr to win football’s top individual award.

The wounded Manchester City star, who had to use crutches to accept his prize, was named the world’s best player in a shocking announcement on Monday night.

Man City star Rodri has won this year’s Ballon d’OrCredit: Reuters

The Spaniard is officially the best player on the planetCredit: AFP

The injured ace arrived at the glittering ceremony on crutchesCredit: Reuters

Rodri was escorted to his trophy by host and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba

Real Madrid, who were named Team of the Year, snubbed the ceremony after Vinicius Jr finished secondCredit: Getty

Harry Kane finished 10th as he won the Gerd Muller Trophy for top scorerCredit: Reuters

Lamine Yamal finished eighth while also winning the Kopa Trophy for best youngster.Credit: AP.

Vinicius, the Brazilian winger who led Real Madrid to a league and European double last season, was expected to win his first Ballon d’Or.

The ace was generally expected to become the latest Los Blancos champion this century, succeeding Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldo Nazario, and Luis Figo.

However, on Monday afternoon, it was revealed that Manchester City hero and Spain Euro winner Rodri was being anointed football’s new king.

The weeping anchorman collected his medal from great striker George Weah at a dazzling event in Paris, which was shunned by Real. Teammate Erling Haaland also made the top 10.

Rodri, who damaged his ACL earlier this season, was helped up the stairs by Didier Drogba, a Chelsea veteran and host, before giving an emotional address.

Rodri thanked his family and teammates, saying, “It’s a very special day for me, my family, and my country.” I aim to improve every day and level up my game.

“I’m simply trying to take care of myself. Rest, enjoy my spare time with my family, and come back stronger.”

Vinicius finished second, with Real’s England legend Jude Bellingham rounding out the top three, ahead of Dani Carvajal and Haaland.