How Voting Works
The Ballon d'Or uses a voting system where different groups cast their ballots. International journalists from top football nations, coaches and captains of national teams, and since 2010, fans through online voting, all participate. Each voter ranks their top players, and points are awarded based on these rankings. The player with the most points wins the award.
What Voters Consider
There is no official checklist of criteria. Voters decide based on their own judgment about who played the best during the year. This typically includes factors like performance in league matches, cup competitions, and international tournaments, but voters weigh these differently. Some voters focus on individual skill and talent, while others consider team success and championships.
Eligibility Requirements
Players must be professionals and have competed in official matches during the voting period. There are no specific age limits, nationality restrictions, or minimum appearance requirements officially stated. Any professional footballer who has played notable matches during the calendar year can receive votes.
Changes Over Time
The voting process and criteria have changed multiple times since 1956. From 2010 to 2015, FIFA and France Football worked together on a combined award. The voting groups have expanded to include fan voting, and the weighting of different voter groups has been adjusted. These changes mean the award's decision-making process has evolved significantly over decades. 
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