The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony is underway at London's Palladium, with football's biggest names stepping out for one of the sport's most prestigious nights. The event, held in London for the first time, brings together leading players, managers and guests to celebrate the best of football over the past year.
While the awards honour excellence on the pitch, the ceremony has also become a showcase for personal style, with players and guests bringing their fashion A-game to the red carpet. Arrivals have already offered plenty of inspiration, from classic black-tie tailoring to statement outfits and daring accessories.
Stars arrive in style
Scarlett Nefer Camberos Becerra, a forward for Mexican side Club América, stepped out in a striking wine-red gown featuring a mix of materials. The Mexico international, who won gold at the 2023 Pan American Games, is among the nominees for the Women's Ballon d'Or.
Several Chelsea women players arrived dressed to impress, including Netherlands and Chelsea defender Veerle Buurman, Japan and North Carolina Courage midfielder Manaka Matsukubo, England and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, and France and Manchester United forward Melvine Malard.
Young talent and veterans on the carpet
Algeria's Ibrahim Maza, known as "Mazadona," arrived in a black tuxedo. The 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder has received his first nomination in the Men's Young Talent of the Year.
Chelsea star and England great Lucy Bronze posed in a maroon dress with one shoulder exposed, wearing her hair up. Michael Owen, the last Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or, arrived with his wife Louise Bonsall, both dressed in matching black outfits and smiling for the cameras.
