The organizers of the prestigious Ballon d'Or award have reacted amid recent debates over the next winner, stressing that triumph at the World Cup is not enough to automatically secure the most important individual trophy in football.
The published explanation emphasizes that winning the World Cup is an important advantage for candidates, but is not a decisive criterion for winning the Ballon d'Or. According to the organizers, the evaluation is based on the player's performances throughout the season and not just on performance in a single competition.
Published statistics show that since 1995, only four of the seven players who have won the World Cup have also managed to win the Ballon d'Or, which translates to a percentage of 57%.
"Yes, winning the World Cup helps, but it does not guarantee winning the Ballon d'Or. To win this award, you must have been the best player of the season, not just of the World Cup," the official statement said.
The Ballon d'Or is organized by the French magazine France Football, which has been awarding this award since 1956. From 2024, the ceremony will be organized in partnership with UEFA, while the winner will be selected by a panel of sports journalists from different countries around the world, who vote based on individual performances, successes with club and national team, as well as sporting behavior during the season.
