According to UEFA, the award "recognise[s] the best player, irrespective of his nationality, playing for a football club within the territory of a UEFA member association during the previous season."[1] Players are judged by their performances in all competitions, domestic and international, and at club and national team levels throughout the season.[1]
The award's voting format is a return to the old Ballon d'Or, which was decided purely by journalists.[2]
In the first round of voting, 54 sports journalists representing each of the UEFA national associations provide a list of their three best-ranked players from one to three, with the first player receiving five points, the second three points and the third one point. The three players with the most points overall are shortlisted.[1] The jury comprises renowned sports journalists representing each of UEFA's national associations, from RTV Albania to the Daily Post in Wales via members of European Sports Media, with whom UEFA collaborated on this award.[10] The final vote, also by the journalists, then takes place live via electronic voting during the presentation ceremony.[1]