Ballon d'Or organisers have addressed the ongoing discussion regarding the eligibility of players from outside Europe for the award. They stated that although historically, players from European clubs have dominated the prize, it remains accessible to footballers from any league globally. This clarification aims to emphasize the inclusivity of the award.

France Football has clarified that it is not necessary for a player to be affiliated with a European club in order to win the Ballon d’Or, challenging a widely accepted notion in the football community. This statement aims to provide a broader understanding of the award's eligibility criteria.

Nearly 25% of footballers participating in the 2026 World Cup are representing nations other than their country of birth, highlighting a trend in international football where players are choosing to play for countries based on various factors, including family ties and opportunities.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shifting focus from established stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to a new generation of football talent. While the two icons continue to attract global attention, the upcoming tournament is expected to highlight emerging players who are reshaping the sport.

The race for the World Cup Golden Boot, typically a secondary focus, has become a primary topic of discussion at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to The South African Sport.

As of June 24, 2026, Lionel Messi is leading the race for the Golden Boot in the World Cup with five goals, while Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are closely following with four goals each, raising questions about whether this could be the best Golden Boot contest ever, according to Al Jazeera.