Messi and Ronaldo reignite Ballon d'Or debate for non-European leagues

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who drew attention with their performances at the 2026 World Cup, have ignited the debate over whether the Ballon d'Or can be awarded to players in non-European leagues. According to an analysis by France Football magazine, while the rules allow it, historically almost all winners played for European clubs.

Scraper SystemJuly 17, 2026, 11:01 AM

Messi and Ronaldo reignite Ballon d'Or debate for non-European leagues

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches its final stages, the race for football's most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d'Or, is heating up. This year's debate centers on two legendary figures playing in non-European leagues: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Argentina's 39-year-old captain Messi has re-emerged in the Ballon d'Or race with his extraordinary performance in the tournament. The star, who plays for Inter Miami in the United States, claimed the title of the World Cup's all-time top scorer with 8 goals and 4 assists, while also breaking the record for most goal contributions in tournament history.

Portugal, meanwhile, was eliminated by Spain in the round of 16, bidding farewell to the tournament. However, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo announced he will not end his national team career. Ronaldo, who led Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr to the league title, continues his Ballon d'Or hopes with his success outside Europe.

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Ballon d'Or chances for non-European leagues

Messi and Ronaldo playing in the US and Saudi leagues has reignited the question: 'Can a player outside Europe win the Ballon d'Or?' According to a comprehensive analysis published by France Football magazine, the current rules of the award impose no restrictions on the league in which the nominee plays. The award is simply given to 'the world's best footballer.'

However, historical data shows that practice has been different. First awarded in 1956 only to European players in European leagues, the prize was opened to all nationalities in 1995 but retained the requirement that the player be at a European club. In 2007, all restrictions were lifted, making the award truly global.

According to France Football's review covering the last 18 years, all winners since 2007 were playing for European clubs at the time they received the award. Names like Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, and Rodri stood out for their performances in the Champions League or major European leagues.

Messi's exceptional case in 2023

The only player to break this pattern was Lionel Messi in 2023. The Argentine star had transferred to Inter Miami when he won the award. However, France Football notes that this cannot be considered a full exception. Because starting in 2022, the award began to be given based on season performance from August to July instead of the calendar year. Messi's 2023 award was largely based on his 2022-2023 season at Paris Saint-Germain and leading Argentina to World Cup glory. His transfer to Inter Miami occurred at the end of the evaluation period.

The magazine emphasizes that, theoretically, a player from outside Europe can win the Ballon d'Or, but history proves how difficult it is. However, the growth of the US league (MLS) in particular, and the increasing media and investment interest in football outside Europe, could change this in the future.

France Football stated, 'The Ballon d'Or is now organizationally open to players from all over the world, but historical facts show that the road to the golden platform often passes through European stadiums.'

Messi and Ronaldo reignite Ballon d'Or debate for non-European leagues