Is winning the World Cup necessary for the Ballon d'Or? France Football responds

Rodri's individual recognition has sparked widespread debate among analysts. Given his performance as the best player of the World Cup, the question has arisen: can he compete for the Ballon d'Or award from France Football for a second time?

In response to these inquiries, the official Ballon d'Or platform released an article clarifying that winning the World Cup is not the sole requirement for receiving the accolade. However, the data is compelling: since 1995, 57 percent of World Cup winners have gone on to win the Ballon d'Or. Notable recipients include Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, Fabio Cannavaro, and Lionel Messi.

There are exceptions, however. In 2010, 2014, and 2018, the winner of the World Cup did not secure the France Football award, highlighting that consistent season-long form remains a critical factor for the jury.

Rodri remains a top candidate for the award following his role as the backbone of Luis de la Fuente's Spain side. Another strong contender is Fabián Ruiz. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder dominated Spain's midfield and secured his second consecutive Champions League title, cementing his status as a key candidate.

Lionel Messi is also among the nominees. Despite Argentina's loss in the Final, the Inter Miami star showed exceptional form for most of the 2026 World Cup. While the Final was a struggle for the entire Argentine team, his season performance keeps him in the conversation for the French trophy.