Ballon d’Or: Any player, outside Europe, can win the award - Organisers

The prestigious Ballon d'Or award is open to footballers from any league globally, organizers have stated, addressing a long-standing debate about whether playing in Europe is a prerequisite for winning football's highest individual honor.

While history heavily favors players based in Europe, the award's eligibility rules have evolved. Initially, in 1956, it recognized only the best European player in a European league. This expanded in 1995 to include players of all nationalities playing in Europe. Since 2007, the award has been open to any player worldwide, irrespective of their club's location.

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Yes, it’s entirely possible to win the Ballon d’Or without playing for a European club. It just looks harder in light of history, but the growing strength of certain leagues outside Europe are shaking things up.

Despite the rule change, an analysis of the last 18 men's Ballon d'Or winners shows a strong trend of recipients playing for European clubs at the time of their triumphs. Lionel Messi's 2023 victory with Inter Miami was a significant exception. However, organizers clarified that his win was judged primarily on his performances for Paris Saint-Germain during the preceding European season, alongside his World Cup success with Argentina, due to the award's shift to a seasonal basis.

On the women's side, Megan Rapinoe's 2019 win while playing for Seattle Reign FC in the United States also stands out. Organizers emphasized that while statistics highlight Europe's historical dominance, the growing strength of leagues outside Europe could change future outcomes. "Nothing is impossible when it comes to the Ballon d'Or. Anyone, regardless of their league, can technically claim it," they stated.

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Nothing is impossible when it comes to the Ballon d’Or. Anyone, regardless of their league, can technically claim it.