The Ballon d’Or organizers have reaffirmed that lifting the FIFA World Cup does not automatically earn a player football’s most prestigious individual award, stressing that the prize is determined by outstanding performances over an entire season.
The organizers of the Ballon d’Or have clarified the criteria for selecting the winner, emphasizing that success at the World Cup, while influential, is not the sole factor in deciding who claims the coveted trophy.
According to an official statement, players must demonstrate exceptional quality and consistency throughout the season to be considered the best.
“Winning the World Cup certainly strengthens a player’s case, but it does not automatically secure the Ballon d’Or. The award goes to the player who has been the best across the entire season, not just during the World Cup,” the statement said.
The clarification comes amid continued discussions within the football community over the importance of international tournaments in the Ballon d’Or race. Although impressive displays on the world’s biggest stage can enhance a player’s chances, the organizers insist that performances at both club and international level across the season remain the primary basis for judging candidates.
The statement underscores the Ballon d’Or’s commitment to rewarding sustained excellence, consistency, and overall impact rather than success in a single competition. The annual award continues to honour the player considered to have delivered the most outstanding performances throughout the football season.
