Explained: Can player win Ballon d'Or without playing in Europe?
Ballon d’Or is one of the highest football accolades.
The World Cup is almost at its climax. The discussion over the Ballon d’Or winner is heating up. But the competition for football’s most famous individual accolade did not begin in June.
It all started in August 2025, with the commencement of the club season. But do you really need to play for a European side to win the Ballon d’Or?
To address that question, here’s some history. The Ballon d’Or, founded in 1956 by France Football, was initially awarded to the greatest European player competing in a European league.
That lasted until 1995, when the award went worldwide while remaining exclusive to European league players. But, since 2007, there has been no restriction: the award honours the best player in the world, even though he doesn’t play in Europe.
Can a player without playing in Europe win the Ballon d’Or?
Yes, it is perfectly feasible to win the prize without representing a European team. It merely appears more difficult in light of history, but the increasing power of some leagues outside Europe is changing things up.
Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC) was the only female player to accomplish this feat in 2019. Nothing is impossible with the award. Anyone, regardless of league, can technically claim it.
When is the 2026 event ceremony?
The 70th Ballon d’Or event is set for Monday, October 26, 2026.
For the first time, the gala will be held in London rather than its regular home of Paris, in honour of English icon Sir Stanley Matthews, who won the inaugural prize seven decades ago.
Can a player who doesn’t play for a European team win the Ballon d’Or?
Yes.
Has any player won the Ballon d’Or without playing for any European side?
Yes, it was a female player, Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC) in 2019.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.