France Football has officially announced a new evaluation system for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, outlining four key criteria that will be used to assess the best players in the world.
According to the statement, all nominees will be judged based on the following factors:
First is collective success and trophies, where achievements at both club and national team level will remain a central pillar in the competition for the award.
Second is individual performance, including a player’s quality on the pitch, ability to influence match outcomes, and overall contribution to team success throughout the season.
Third is discipline and sportsmanship, with good conduct both on and off the field becoming an important part of the evaluation process.
Fourth is the ability to shine in big matches, especially finals and knockout stages, where players are judged on how they perform under high-pressure situations.
Additionally, the 2026 edition will place strong emphasis on the world’s biggest competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup.
It has been clearly stated that only players who deliver exceptional performances in these two competitions will have a realistic chance of winning football’s most prestigious individual award.
