The Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held in London for the first time in its history, organisers France Football have announced. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, marking a departure from its traditional French setting to commemorate the award's 70th anniversary.
The move honours the first ever winner, Sir Stanley Matthews, who received the prize in 1956. The exact venue in London is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be announced shortly.
This year's ceremony could be historic for English football, with two English players among the favourites: Harry Kane and Declan Rice. They are joined by London-born Michael Olise, now at Bayern Munich, and defending winner Ousmane Dembele.
Last year, Dembele won the award after leading Paris Saint-Germain to their first Champions League title. He succeeded Manchester City's Rodri, whose victory had been controversial amid a Real Madrid boycott over Vinicius Junior's omission.
The Ballon d'Or, voted by journalists and former winners, recognises the best men's player globally. The 2026 edition will be the first awarded outside France since its inception.
