The Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held in London for the first time in 2026, as the prestigious football award celebrates its 70th anniversary. The event is scheduled for 26 October 2026 at a yet-to-be-disclosed venue in the UK capital.
Historic Move to London
This relocation to London pays tribute to the award's history, as English footballer Stanley Matthews was the inaugural winner of the Ballon d'Or seven decades ago. The ceremony, which recognises the world's best footballer, has traditionally been held in Paris but will now take place in London for this milestone edition.
Organisers and Recent Winners
The Ballon d'Or is presented by France Football and has been co-organised by UEFA since 2024. The most recent male recipient of the award is Ousmane Dembele. The ceremony will also honour the best female footballer and other categories.
Contenders for 2026
England captain Harry Kane is considered a leading contender for the 2026 award, following his exceptional goalscoring form for Bayern Munich. Kane has been in outstanding form for the German club, netting a remarkable number of goals in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
The decision to hold the ceremony in London underscores the growing influence of the Premier League and English football on the global stage. The event is expected to attract top footballing talent and media attention from around the world.
