#Ballon d'Or

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.

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.