The Ballon d’Or organisers have clarified that players from clubs outside Europe remain eligible to win the prestigious individual prize, citing Lionel Messi’s 2023 victory as precedent.
In an official statement, the organisers noted Messi became the first male winner representing a non-European club.
“Only one player was based outside Europe when he lifted the Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi in 2023,” the statement read. “At the time of the 67th ceremony, on October 30, 2023, the Argentine was already playing for Inter Miami.”
The account emphasised the judging period covers the season rather than the calendar year. “That said, this needs some nuance, since the Ballon d’Or has been judged on the season (from August to July) rather than the calendar year since 2022,” it explained.
It concluded that winning without a European club is possible. “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,” the statement added.
