Ballon d'Or Organisers Clarify Eligibility Rules as Players Outside Europe Can Win Football's Biggest Individual Prize

The organisers of the Ballon d'Or have officially clarified one of football's longest-running debates, confirming that players competing outside Europe remain fully eligible to win the sport's most prestigious individual award.

The clarification comes amid renewed discussion surrounding stars such as Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who represents Al Nassr, with many fans questioning whether footballers outside Europe's top leagues could still lift the Ballon d'Or.

According to the organisers, this is not a new rule change. Instead, they have reiterated that the Ballon d'Or has had no geographical restrictions since 2007, meaning any professional footballer, regardless of the league or continent they play in, is eligible to win the award based on their performances.

No Rule Change—Just a Clarification

Despite widespread reports suggesting the Ballon d'Or had changed its rules, organisers stressed that the eligibility criteria have remained the same for nearly two decades.

The award was originally created in 1956 for European players only. In 1995, eligibility expanded to include players of all nationalities, provided they played for European clubs.

The biggest change came in 2007, when France Football removed geographical restrictions entirely, making players from clubs anywhere in the world eligible for football's highest individual honour. 

Why the Clarification Matters Now

The statement arrives as the 2026 Ballon d'Or race intensifies following the FIFA World Cup.

With Messi producing outstanding performances for Argentina despite playing in Major League Soccer, speculation grew over whether competing outside Europe would automatically rule him out of contention.

The organisers have now made it clear that club location does not determine eligibility. Instead, voting is based on a player's performances, achievements and overall impact during the assessment period.

Europe Still Holds a Major Advantage

Although players from any league can win the Ballon d'Or, history continues to favour footballers based in Europe.

The UEFA Champions League and Europe's top domestic competitions naturally receive greater global attention, meaning players competing there often have more opportunities to strengthen their Ballon d'Or credentials.

However, organisers insist that performances—not geography—remain the deciding factor. 

What It Means for Future Ballon d'Or Races

The clarification ensures that football's biggest stars remain eligible regardless of where they play.

Whether competing in Europe, North America, Asia or elsewhere, players can still be considered for the Ballon d'Or if their performances are deemed worthy by the voting panel.

As football continues to grow globally, the confirmation reinforces the Ballon d'Or's status as an award open to the world's best players—not just those playing in Europe.