Jamie Carragher says four players are in the running to win next year's Ballon d'Or

It will be "very difficult" for Erling Haaland to win the Ballon d'Or, according to Jamie Carragher, who says four players are in the running to scoop next year's award.

Earlier this week, Carragher and his fellow CBS Sports pundits, Micah Richards and Thierry Henry, gave their early Ballon d'Or predictions.

Lionel Messi lifted his record-extending eighth trophy at the Theatre du Chatelet on October 30, while Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe came in second and third respectively.

But the Argentine is currently fifth favourite to win next year's prestigious prize, according to odds collected by the US broadcaster.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is the bookies favourite after his impressive start at Los Blancos, while Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane make up the top five.

As you can see in the graphic above, five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the outsiders at +3300, while Manchester City pair Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne feature following their treble-winning success.

So who will win the 2024 Ballon d'Or?

When asked if he thought next year was Bellingham's time to collect the gold ball, Carragher said he "could be" after such a prolific start to life in Madrid.

"He plays for a club who have got a great opportunity of winning the European cup," the former Liverpool defender says.

Carragher also tipped Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane to challenge alongside Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, although the Norwegian may find it difficult.

"Along with France, Kylian Mbappe would have a great opportunity as well, and who knows?" Carragher added.

"He's playing for a team that have a great opportunity to win the Champions League also but out of those top four names right now, I think it would be really difficult for Haaland to win it because of the country he plays for.

'Unless maybe Manchester City do another treble, or he's amazing in the Champions League again. The other players I've just mentioned have probably got another opportunity with the tournament in the summer."

Henry, meanwhile, said it would be "difficult" for Mohamed Salah to lift the prestigious prize next year.

"Although you're going to have the African Cup of Nations, but people watch the Euros," he said. "The impact of the Euro (competition) is different, the impact of the World Wup is different. So, just because it's a big tournament, if you perform, and you had a great season, it's over."