The organizers of the Ballon d’Or award have clarified that footballers from any part of the world are eligible to win the prize, addressing a longstanding debate about the necessity of playing for European clubs. This statement comes as the competition for the 2026 Ballon d’Or intensifies.

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.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has said he would vote for himself to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, the Daily Post reports. Speaking to French newspaper L'Equipe, Mbappe, who is regarded as one of the favourites for the prestigious individual award, responded to a question about his vote by saying he would back himself. The France captain's comments come as speculation builds ahead of the 2026 edition of the prize, which recognises the world's best footballer.

Former Arsenal defensive midfielder Emmanuel Petit has said that Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or award. According to Petit, Kvaratskhelia's performances over the last two years justify him winning the prize. Petit added that the Georgian international belongs on a short, non-exhaustive list of contenders for the prestigious individual football honour, according to the Daily Post report.

The 2026 Ballon d'Or nominees list has sparked debate after Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr were included despite not winning trophies in the period under review, according to Legit.ng. The report notes that Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of the shortlist, raising questions among fans about the selection criteria for football's most prestigious individual award.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is openly discussing his Ballon d'Or ambitions as he enters the new Champions League season, according to Al Jazeera. The French international's confidence follows a historic goal-scoring performance at the World Cup, where he set a record tally. Mbappé's form for both club and country has placed him among the leading contenders for football's most prestigious individual honour, with the Champions League campaign offering a further stage to strengthen his case.