Former Ballon d'Or Chief Warns Against Campaigns

Former France Football editor-in-chief Pascal Ferré has warned that excessive media campaigning could irritate Ballon d'Or voters rather than influence them.

Ferré, who previously voted for France in the Ballon d'Or jury for seven years, was speaking as the media activity surrounding the 2026 award intensifies.

Several of this year's leading contenders have been involved in a growing debate over who deserves the prestigious individual prize, with players, teammates and clubs increasingly making their cases publicly.

Ferré believes the journalists responsible for voting are experienced enough to form their own opinions.

“The jury members are not naive,” Ferré said. “They have enough experience and conscience to judge and evaluate a player without needing to hear the phrase: he is the best, ten or 15 times.”

He went on to warn that constantly dominating the conversation can have the opposite effect to what a campaign intends.

According to Ferré, when a player or those around them occupy the spotlight in a way that makes voters feel they are being pressured, the strategy can eventually become counterproductive.

“This buzz orchestrated by some may ultimately annoy the voters, because it is clear manipulation,” he said.

Ferré's comments come as the 2026 Ballon d'Or race enters its final stage. The award is decided by 100 journalists representing the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings, with voters selecting their top 10 players.

Other members of the jury have similarly played down the influence of the current media campaigns.

Algerian voter Yazid Ouahib said the recent interviews and statements were “distractions” that did not affect his vote, while Sweden's Anders Bengtsson said such campaigns had not influenced him.

Ferré's remarks therefore do not amount to an accusation against any particular nominee. Instead, they highlight the potential downside of an increasingly aggressive public campaign for an award ultimately decided by individual journalists.