Winning the FIFA World Cup does not automatically guarantee a player will win the Ballon d'Or, the organisers of football's most prestigious individual award have said as debate over the 2026 prize intensifies.
With Spain's World Cup triumph and several standout individual performances during the tournament, speculation has grown over whether lifting the trophy is enough to secure the Golden Ball later this year.
The Ballon d'Or organisers said the answer is no.
"Yes, winning the World Cup helps, but it does not guarantee a Ballon d'Or," the organisers said.
"To win it, you need to have been the best player of the season, not only of the World Cup."
The organisers noted that only seven players in history have won both the World Cup and the following Ballon d'Or.
They added that while international success carries significant weight, performances across the entire season remain the key factor in determining the winner.
The clarification comes as players including Spain's Rodri and Lamine Yamal, Argentina captain Lionel Messi, England striker Harry Kane and France forward Kylian Mbappe are all being discussed as leading contenders following the World Cup.
The organisers stressed that voters consider more than a single tournament.
"Winning the World Cup helps," they said, "but it does not guarantee a Ballon d'Or."
Instead, the award recognises "the best player of the season," taking into account individual performances, team achievements and the player's overall influence throughout the campaign.
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