France Football has addressed the recurring question regarding the connection between winning the World Cup and securing the Ballon d’Or. As the tournament continues in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the publication analyzed records dating back to 1995 to evaluate the link between these two prestigious honors.
Historically, winning both awards in the same year was a common achievement for legends like Bobby Charlton, Paolo Rossi, and Lothar Matthaus. This pattern was further reinforced between 1998 and 2006, when Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and Fabio Cannavaro each claimed both titles in their respective years.
However, this trend shifted in subsequent tournaments. In 2010, Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or despite Spain’s World Cup victory. Cristiano Ronaldo earned the honor in 2014 over German champion Manuel Neuer, and Luka Modric secured the award in 2018 even though his team fell short in the final. Lionel Messi’s win in 2022 following Argentina’s success was a rare return to the previous trend.
Statistical analysis by France Football shows that since 1995, only 57% of World Cup champions have also won the Ballon d’Or. The publication concludes that while the World Cup is significant, it does not automatically ensure the individual prize. To be considered for the award, a player must demonstrate status as the top performer of the entire season.
