Ballon d’Or 2026: 5 factors that can decide who wins award

As the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony approaches, anticipation builds for football's most prestigious individual award. Scheduled for October 26 in London, the event will crown both the men's and women's winners.

“

With the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony approaching, attention is turning to the players in contention for one of football’s most prestigious individual prizes.

The award's voting system, revised in 2022, now assesses players based on the football season (August to July) rather than the calendar year. Organizers have outlined five key factors considered by voters.

Individual performance stands as the paramount criterion, with voters evaluating a player's contributions across club and international matches, emphasizing decisive and impressive actions. Beyond statistics, players are judged on their impact in crucial games. Collective success, such as trophies won by a player's team, also influences the decision, though it ranks below individual achievements. Furthermore, a player's conduct on and off the pitch, including sporting class and fair play, is taken into account.

“

Individual performance is the most important factor in determining the winner.

The jury comprises 100 journalists for the men's award and 50 for the women's. These voters will ultimately determine who succeeds the current holders of the Ballon d'Or.

“

The criteria are considered in order of importance, with individual performance coming first, followed by collective achievements, then class and fair play.