As Wembley gears ups for the final of the 2023/24 Champions League, we take a look back at the five best performers in this season’s tournament.
5) Niclas Füllkrug (Borussia Dortmund)
The first player in the top 5 for standout performers in this year’s Champions League competition is German striker Niclas Füllkrug, who has emerged as a talismanic figure for Borussia Dortmund this season. Particularly in the latter stages of the Champions League, Füllkrug has been instrumental, finding the back of the net in both the semi-final and quarter-final. His memorable volley in the first leg against PSG propelled Dortmund into the final.
Füllkrug has showcased his clinical finishing ability by scoring 15 goals this season, establishing himself as a potent threat in front of goal. With such prowess, he becomes a player to watch for the German national team in the Euros, where he is priced at 33/1 to claim the tournament’s top goalscorer title. These odds seem generous for a player of his calibre and composure in front of goal.
4) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Mats Hummels has been outstanding in this season’s Champions League, showcasing his wealth of experience and defensive prowess. Despite being the oldest player in the Dortmund squad at 35, his presence has proven immensely beneficial. Serving as a pillar of strength in Borussia Dortmund’s backline, Hummels has played a pivotal role in their defensive solidity and contributed crucial goals, notably his decisive goal in the second leg against PSG in the semi-finals.
Dortmund’s recent defensive record is brilliant, including clean sheets in both semi-final games against PSG and their final two Bundesliga matches, and this speaks volumes of Hummels’ leadership and defensive abilities. Dortmund are 17/2 to win Saturday’s final without conceding.
3) Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane undoubtedly deserves recognition as one of the top players in this year’s Champions League. In his debut season for Bayern Munich, Kane has amassed an incredible total of 44 goals, eight of which were scored in the Champions League, placing him joint highest in this category.
Despite his remarkable individual achievements, Kane may feel disappointed not to have secured any silverware with Bayern Munich this season. However, there is still hope as England enters the Euros as 3/1 favourites. Kane himself is priced at 11/2 to clinch the tournament’s top goalscorer title, indicating his importance to the Three Lions’ chances of a first major tournament victory since 1966.
2) Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
Kylian Mbappe continues to assert his presence among the elite European players, consistently featuring near the top of both domestic and international goalscorer rankings. Once again this season, he has demonstrated his exceptional talent, sharing the lead with Harry Kane in Champions League goals charts.
Despite Mbappe’s stellar performances, PSG once again fell short in the Champions League by suffering a semi-final exit to Borussia Dortmund. This however cannot be attributed to the attacker, who has consistently delivered for his side. Perhaps a transfer is on the horizon if he desires to lift the coveted Champions League trophy.
1) Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
The emergence of Jude Bellingham in his debut season with Real Madrid has been nothing short of sensational. With 23 goals to his name this season, Bellingham has captured the hearts of fans, establishing himself as an indispensable figure for both club and country.
Real Madrid head into the final against Borussia Dortmund as favourites, priced at 13/20 for the win. Should Real Madrid secure the Champions League title and England perform well in the European Championships, Bellingham’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or would skyrocket, marking a remarkable achievement in his first season in Spain. Currently, Jude Bellingham is priced at 3/1 to clinch the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
