Since 2000, 76% of winners were forwards, 64% played in La Liga and 80% won a major trophy that season. This is how the 2026 nominees compare.
Major trophy = domestic league title, Champions League or World Cup, 3 August 2025 to 19 July 2026. Club as of the ceremony on 26 October 2026. *MLS Cup counted as a league title.
Source: AskGamblers