Pascal Ferré, a former director of France Football and the former director of the Ballon d'Or award, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2026 edition of the prestigious honor. The Ballon d'Or, which recognizes the world's best male footballer, is currently up for grabs among several top players, with Kylian Mbappé being one of the leading contenders. However, Ferré has pointed out that Mbappé, who plays for Real Madrid, has not won any major team trophies, which he believes is a significant factor in the selection process. Ferré, who has been deeply involved in the award's administration, emphasized that winning collective honors is an essential criterion for the Ballon d'Or. In his view, a player who is considered the best should not be left without any major team success. "I do not see how the best player can miss out on all the trophies," he remarked, highlighting the importance of team achievements in the evaluation process. The Ballon d'Or has long been a subject of debate regarding the balance between individual brilliance and team success. While some argue that the individual performance should be the sole criterion, others, like Ferré, believe that winning trophies with one's national or club team is a necessary component of being recognized as the best. This perspective has shaped the award's history, with many past winners having lifted major titles with their teams. As the 2026 Ballon d'Or approaches, the conversation around the criteria for the award remains relevant. With several elite players in contention, the discussion about what constitutes the "best" player continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of modern football and the ongoing debates surrounding the award's legacy.