The Ballon d'Or will now be awarded on a seasonal basis rather than on a calender year. It had traditionally been presented to the best player over a 12 months period taking into account players' performance from January to December. The next edition will take performances into account for the entire 2021/22 season, and will end with the Women’s European Championships that take place between July 6 and July 31. The World Cup which will take place in November will be input into the 2023 edition. 

Other changes includes comprising an even stronger list of nominees for the award. The list of men’s players from L'Équipe and France Football journalists will be added to those from Ballon d’Or ambassador Didier Drogba. This will also apply to the Yashin (best performing goalkeeper) trophies and the Kopa (best performing men’s player under 21). A more streamlined voting system is also set to be introduced with only representatives from the 100 countries in the FIFA men’s rankings qualifying to vote.