The organisers of the Ballon d’Or have officially declared that footballers plying their trade anywhere in the world remain eligible for the prestigious award, ending a long-standing debate over whether European club affiliation is a prerequisite for success.
With the 2026 World Cup entering its decisive knockout stages and this year’s Ballon d’Or race intensifying, the award’s governing body addressed the question directly on its official platform: Does representing a non-European club hurt a player’s chances?
Historical data heavily favors Europe. An analysis of the last 18 men’s winners reveals that every recipient—from Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi, Luka Modrić, Karim Benzema, Rodri, and Ousmane Dembélé—was attached to a European club at the time of their victory.
The sole exception came in 2023, when Messi claimed the trophy after his move to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, breaking the European monopoly.
Despite that outlier, the organisers acknowledged the statistical weight of tradition but emphasized that the landscape is shifting. “Yes, it’s entirely possible to win the Ballon d’Or without playing for a European club,” they stated.
“It just looks harder in light of history, but the growing strength of certain leagues outside Europe is shaking things up.”
The clarification comes as performances at this summer’s World Cup—hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—continue to reshape perceptions of global football talent, with stars from South America, Africa, and Asia delivering standout displays that could influence voting when the award is presented later this year.
