Ballon d'Or eligibility includes players worldwide ahead of 2026 awards
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 25, 2026, 5:00 AM
Last updated Oct 25, 2026
The Ballon d'Or, awarded annually for the best football performance, has evolved since its inception in 1956. Initially limited to European players at European clubs, it now includes professionals worldwide. The 2026 nominees feature Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi, with candidates from various countries. Historical context shows that no player affiliated with a non-European club has ever won the trophy as performances in Europe dominate the criteria.
- •Ballon d'Or traditionally favored European players from European nations.
- •Eligibility expanded to include all professional players globally since 2007.
- •Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappe lead 2026 nominations.
- •Messi accepted the last award as an Inter Miami player but was eligible for PSG's season.
- 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — Can players outside Europe win the Ballon d'Or? How France Football award eligibility works
"Traditionally an award for European players from European nations, the eligibility for those who can win the Ballon d'Or has been questioned in recent years, as the talent base spreads further across the globe.
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