Ballon d’Or rules get historic overhaul: Non-European club players can now win football’s top prize

France Football confirms that eligibility has been open to all leagues globally since 2007, shattering a long-standing myth as the 2026 World Cup heats up.

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As the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup capture the world’s attention, the debate over the next Ballon d’Or winner has ignited. But amid the global spectacle, France Football has dropped a landmark clarification that fundamentally redefines the award’s perceived boundaries—confirming that it is entirely possible to win football’s ultimate individual honor without ever setting foot on a European pitch.

The official statement breaks a widespread misconception that has lingered for decades. Historically, the Ballon d’Or was introduced in 1956 with a strict criterion: only European players at European clubs were eligible. That barrier was partially lowered in 1995, opening the award to all nationalities—provided they played for a European side. However, in a quiet but seismic shift, the final geographical restriction was completely dismantled in 2007.

“Since 2007, the Ballon d’Or has had no geographical restrictions whatsoever. It rewards the best player in the world, period,” France Football emphasized in its official release.

Despite the rule change, the statistics reveal a stubborn European stronghold. In the men’s game, only one winner has claimed the trophy while playing outside Europe—Lionel Messi in 2023, who lifted the award as a member of Inter Miami CF. However, his victory was largely anchored to his performances during the 2022/23 season with Paris Saint-Germain, prior to his MLS move. On the women’s side, Megan Rapinoe remains the sole outlier, having won in 2019 while representing the now-defunct OL Reign in the American NWSL.

Nevertheless, France Football insists the landscape is shifting. “Yes, winning the Ballon d’Or without playing in Europe is entirely possible. It has historically been harder, but the growing strength of certain leagues outside Europe is actively changing that dynamic,” the organizers noted, pointing to the rising competitiveness of the MLS, Saudi Pro League, and other global championships.

In addition to the eligibility clarification, the 2026 edition of the award introduces a raft of structural changes. The voting period has been re-aligned to follow the European football season (August 1 to July 31) rather than the calendar year. The jury pool will be reduced from 170 international journalists to a more streamlined 100. Meanwhile, the shortlist expands to 30 nominees, with the controversial practice of revealing the final three candidates before the ceremony officially scrapped.

Perhaps most symbolic of the new global era, the 2026 Ballon d’Or gala will leave Paris for the very first time, taking place at a yet-to-be-disclosed venue in London on October 26.

“Regarding the Ballon d’Or, nothing is impossible. Anyone, regardless of which league they play in, can theoretically win it,” France Football concluded. As global football’s center of gravity continues to diversify, the sport’s most storied individual accolade is finally catching up to the reality of a borderless game.