The official Ballon d’Or website confirmed that players remain eligible for the award even without a team trophy during the season, emphasizing the significance of individual performances over collective achievements. A historical precedent exists with Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2013 without team silverware. This clarification could benefit candidates like Kylian Mbappé, whose odds have slightly declined in recent markets. Individual performances in upcoming matches are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping market expectations ahead of the 2026 vote.
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