As the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, the debates are heating up around who will be the next winner. Spain’s triumph at the World Cup has reshuffled the deck and propelled several world champions into the spotlight. However, the organizing body of the Ballon d’Or has made it clear: winning the most prestigious international trophy does not automatically guarantee the most coveted individual award in world football. This reminder comes as fans, pundits, and former players voice their support for their favorite candidates.
For weeks now, the performances of players like Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Rodri, and Kylian Mbappé have fueled discussions. Each has strong arguments for claiming the Ballon d’Or, whether it’s impressive statistics, titles won, or decisive impacts in key matches. Yet, the trophy officials remind us that the voting is not limited to performances in a single tournament, no matter how prestigious.
In an official statement, the organizers clarified the criteria guiding the Ballon d’Or award. They emphasize that this award primarily recognizes the player who has had the best overall season, considering performances in both club and national team, consistency, impact on team results, and exemplary behavior on the pitch.
They remind us:
“Yes, winning the World Cup is an asset… but it doesn’t guarantee the Ballon d’Or. To win it, you need to have been the best player of the season, not just of the World Cup.”
This statement puts an end to the common belief that the World Cup winner automatically becomes the favorite for the Ballon d’Or. While history shows that several World Cup champions have indeed won this distinction, other editions have proven that voters prioritize consistency and performances throughout the entire season. National competitions, European campaigns, and individual statistics continue to weigh heavily in the final decision.
🚨 Official Ballon d’Or account statement:
“Yes, winning the World Cup helps, but it does not guarantee a Ballon d’Or. To win it, you need to have been the best player of the season, not only of the World Cup.” pic.twitter.com/nVtv58YNeg
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 20, 2026
The statement also highlights that the journalists voting have several evaluation criteria. They must analyze a player’s real influence on their team, their ability to make a difference in crucial moments, their performance level throughout the season, and the trophies won. The World Cup is certainly a major factor, but it is just one part of the overall assessment before the final verdict.
With just a few weeks until the official announcement of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, this clarification is unlikely to end the debates. On the contrary, it reignites comparisons among the main contenders and reminds us that the prestigious trophy rewards excellence over an entire season. Recent performances, titles won, and individual impact will continue to be scrutinized until the winner is revealed, in what promises to be a fiercely contested edition.
