France Football has addressed the long-standing notion that only players featuring for European clubs can win the Ballon d’Or, as discussions surrounding the award intensify during the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ballon d’Or, regarded as football’s most prestigious individual honour, has largely been dominated by players competing in Europe’s elite leagues, with Ousmane Dembele winning in 2025 and Rodri claiming the prize in 2024.
That trend has fuelled the belief that playing in Europe is a requirement for winning the award.
However, in a statement shared on its official X account on Sunday, the organisers clarified that no restrictions have existed regarding a player’s club affiliation since 2007, stressing that the Ballon d’Or recognises “the best player in the world, full stop.”
The clarification comes amid growing debate over the frontrunners for this year’s award as the World Cup approaches its latter stages.
France Football explained that when the Ballon d’Or was established in 1956, it was reserved for the best European player competing in a European league.
The eligibility criteria were broadened in 1995 to include players of all nationalities, provided they played in Europe, before the final limitation was abolished in 2007.
“Since 2007, there’s been no restriction: the Ballon d’Or rewards the best player in the world, full stop,” the organisers said.
The publication acknowledged that most recipients have historically represented European clubs but noted that winning the award while playing elsewhere remains possible.
It pointed out that only one male footballer has officially lifted the Ballon d’Or while attached to a non-European club.
“Only one player was based outside Europe when he lifted the Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi in 2023. At the time of the 67th ceremony, on October 30, 2023, the Argentine was already playing for Inter Miami CF,” the statement said.
The organisers, however, noted that Messi’s triumph was based on his performances during the 2022/23 campaign, when he was still with Paris Saint-Germain F.C. before moving to Major League Soccer.
They also highlighted that, since 2022, the Ballon d’Or has been assessed on a seasonal basis—from August 1 to July 31—rather than by calendar year.
Regarding the women’s award, France Football said only one player has won the honour while representing a club outside Europe.
“Yes, it’s entirely possible to win the Ballon d’Or without playing for a European club. It just looks harder in light of history, but the growing strength of certain leagues outside Europe are shaking things up,” the organisers said.
They added, “Nothing is impossible when it comes to the Ballon d’Or. Anyone, regardless of their league, can technically claim it.”
