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Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony comes to London for first time

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 23 Oct, 10:20 · Archive

The Ballon d'Or awards ceremony takes place in London on Monday 26 October for the first time in its 70-year history.

The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place in London on Monday 26 October at the London Palladium theatre in Soho, beginning at 8pm. This marks the first time the 70-year-old award has been held in the British capital.

The award is given annually to the best men's and women's player in world football. Created in 1956 by France Football magazine, it was initially restricted to European players before expanding to non-Europeans playing on the continent in 1995 and becoming a global award in 2007. The women's award was introduced in 2018.

London has been chosen to host the ceremony to pay tribute to England's Stanley Matthews, the inaugural Ballon d'Or winner. France Football magazine remains the organiser and administrator of the voting, whilst UEFA co-organises the ceremony.

Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and England is the bookmakers' favourite for the men's award. Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal was previously the odds-on favourite. Other contenders mentioned include Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid and various other players.

In the women's category, Alexia Putellas of London City Lionesses is the clear frontrunner. Her former Barcelona teammates Ewa Pajor and Aitana Bonmati, the previous year's winner, are closest behind in the betting odds.

Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony comes to London for first time
Image: Evening Standard

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In this story: Ballon d'Or · France Football · UEFA · Harry Kane · Lamine Yamal · Alexia Putellas · London · Stanley Matthews

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