The organisers of the Ballon d’Or have clarified that winning the FIFA World Cup alone is not enough to secure football’s most prestigious individual prize, stressing that the award is based on a player’s performances throughout the entire season.
In an official statement released on the Ballon d’Or’s social media account, the organisers explained that while lifting the World Cup can strengthen a player’s chances, it does not automatically guarantee the award.
“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,” the statement read.
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The clarification comes amid widespread debates among football fans following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with many comparing the tournament performances of leading stars and discussing how much weight the competition should carry in the Ballon d’Or race.
The statement reinforces the award’s long-standing criteria, which considers a player’s overall performances, consistency, influence, and achievements across the entire season rather than performances in a single tournament.
The Ballon d’Or remains one of the most coveted individual honours in world football, with the annual award recognising the player judged to have delivered the best overall season at club and international levels.