Ballon d’Or 2026 to focus on individual performance
The 2026 Ballon d’Or voting is expected to place greater emphasis on individual performance and decisive contributions, rather than simply rewarding players for the number of trophies they win with their teams.
France Football has reiterated that the voting criteria, introduced in 2022, are considered in order of importance. Voters will first assess a player’s individual performances and ability to make a decisive and impressive impact, followed by collective achievements and trophies, and finally overall class and fair play.
The evaluation covers the 2025/26 season, including both club and international matches. This means performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will form part of the assessment.
The focus on individual performances could make Kylian Mbappé’s scoring record particularly important in this year’s race. The French forward produced an extraordinary campaign, scoring 58 goals and providing 14 assists across the season, according to current Ballon d’Or rankings.
Mbappé’s case is further strengthened by his scoring achievements across major competitions. His performances in the World Cup, domestic league and Champions League have put his goalscoring consistency at the centre of the Ballon d’Or debate.
The defending winner, Ousmane Dembélé, will also be part of the discussion after winning the 2025 award following his outstanding campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. His case this time will be assessed against the performances of other leading contenders.
The voting criteria also mean that winning the World Cup or Champions League will not automatically guarantee a player an advantage. A crucial goal, dominant performance or decisive contribution in a major match can also carry significant weight because voters are specifically instructed to consider how influential a player was.
Other contenders, including Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Harry Kane, are expected to attract attention, but the official nominees have not yet been announced.
The 30 nominees for the men’s Ballon d’Or will be revealed on September 8, 2026, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London.
The key question for voters will therefore be not only who won the most trophies, but who performed at the highest individual level and proved most decisive throughout the season.
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