‘Winning World Cup doesn’t guarantee award’ – Ballon d’Or Organizers

The organisers of the prestigious Ballon d’Or have clarified that winning the FIFA World Cup title does not automatically guarantee a player the award.

They explained that while clinching the World Cup plays a role in deciding who wins the accolade, it is not the sole determining factor.

The organisers stressed that individual performances in key moments, which propel teams to success, are a major consideration in selecting the winner.

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They further noted that a player’s overall performance throughout the season will be assessed, not just their display in a single tournament.

“Yes, winning the World Cup helps, but it does not guarantee a Ballon d’Or. To win it, you need to have been the best player of the season, not only of the World Cup,” the Ballon d’Or organisers stated.

This clarification comes amid public debate over who should win the 2026 edition of the award following the FIFA World Cup, with players such as Lamine Yamal and Rodri being rated as favourites.

The season-long performance criteria also put top stars like Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembélé (with a Champions League title), Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi in contention for the prestigious accolade.

SB/JKB

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