Ballon d’Or Criteria Revealed: What Journalists Must Consider When Voting

By: Roland James | Columnist | WBN NEWS Africa | October 7, 2026

The Ballon d’Or remains one of football’s most prestigious individual honours, celebrating players whose performances have made a defining impact on the sport. As journalists prepare to cast their votes, the award’s three key criteria provide a clear framework for assessing the leading contenders.

•The first and most important consideration is individual performance. Voters are expected to examine how consistently a player performs, while also considering decisive moments that can shape important matches and seasons. Goals, assists, defensive contributions, creativity and leadership can all form part of the wider picture of a player’s influence.

•The second criterion is team success. Football is ultimately a team sport, and the trophies a player helps win remain an important part of the Ballon d’Or assessment. However, the criteria also emphasize the player’s importance to that success. Winning major honours matters, but so does the individual contribution that helped make those achievements possible.

•The third criterion is fair play. Beyond statistics and silverware, the award recognizes the importance of a player’s behaviour and attitude. Respect for opponents, teammates, officials and the wider football community forms part of how a candidate is viewed.

Together, the three criteria create a broader picture of what it means to stand among football’s elite. A spectacular individual season, major team achievements and positive conduct can all contribute to a player’s case.

For footballers, these standards highlight that greatness extends beyond goals and trophies. Every match provides an opportunity to perform, contribute and represent the sport with character.

As another Ballon d’Or race captures the attention of football fans around the world, the criteria also offer a reminder of what makes the game special: individual brilliance working alongside collective achievement, while respect remains at the heart of competition.

The hope is that the next generation of players will continue to chase excellence not only through extraordinary performances, but also through teamwork, integrity and a passion for inspiring others through football.

Editor: Joseph James Udoh

WBN Global News Desk
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