Ballon d’Or 2026 regulations: How the winners will be decided

France Football has released the official regulations governing the 2026 Ballon d’Or, outlining the eligibility period, voting process and criteria that will determine the world's best male and female players.

Any dispute arising from the voting process will be settled by the editor-in-chief of France Football, who serves as the organiser's final authority.

For the 2026 edition, France Football will assess performances from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026.