Messi, playing in U.S., opens Ballon d'Or door for non-European leagues

The performances of Lionel Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays in Saudi Arabia, at the 2026 World Cup have sparked debate about the Ballon d'Or chances of players in leagues outside Europe. France Football magazine noted that although the rules allow it, the award has gone only to players at European clubs since 2007.

Scraper SystemJuly 17, 2026, 11:01 AM

Messi, playing in U.S., opens Ballon d'Or door for non-European leagues

This year's debates over football's biggest individual award, the Ballon d'Or, are revolving around two legends playing in the U.S. and Saudi Arabian leagues. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with their impactful performances at the 2026 World Cup, have reignited the question of whether the award can go to players outside Europe.

Argentina national team captain Lionel Messi, at age 39 in the tournament, carried his team forward with 8 goals and 4 assists and also claimed the title of top scorer in World Cup history. The star, who plays for U.S. side Inter Miami, has become one of the strongest candidates in the Ballon d'Or race with this performance.

Although Portugal was eliminated by Spain in the round of 16 and exited the tournament, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo announced he will continue his national team career. Ronaldo, who led Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr to the league title, is also keeping his hopes alive for the award with his success outside Europe.

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Ballon d'Or's Europe-centric history

An analysis by France Football magazine reveals that the Ballon d'Or rules impose no restrictions on the league a player competes in, as the award is given to 'the best footballer in the world.' However, historical data paints a different picture.

The award was given only to European players in European leagues when it started in 1956, then opened to all nationalities in 1995 but maintained the requirement that the player must compete for a European club. All restrictions were lifted in 2007, making the award global.

Nevertheless, the magazine's review shows that since 2007, all winners—such as Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, and Rodri—were playing for European clubs when they received the award.

Messi's transfer to the U.S. and the exceptional case

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.

Starting in 2022, the award began to be based on performances during the season from August to July instead of a calendar year. Messi's 2023 award was largely based on his 2022-2023 season at Paris Saint-Germain and leading Argentina to the World Cup title. His transfer to Inter Miami came at the end of the evaluation period.

The magazine emphasizes that while it is theoretically possible for a player outside Europe to win the Ballon d'Or, it has historically been extremely difficult. The growth of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the increasing 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 realities show that the path to the golden platform often goes through European stadiums."

Messi, playing in U.S., opens Ballon d'Or door for non-European leagues