Football fans are voicing their frustration ahead of Monday night's 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London, complaining that musical performances and speeches will overshadow the football awards.
Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal are the favourites for the top prize, but the event will also feature multiple other honours and special guests. The ceremony organisers announced last week that French Montana and Jorja Smith will give "exclusive performances" during the evening, with "other surprises planned".
Fans complain about musical acts
Responding to the announcement on X, @McgregorJo89011 wrote: "I dont wanna seee some musical show, i wanna see the winner." @omk_eth echoed the sentiment, saying: "So it'll be a horrible ceremony."
@Del411652116980 added: "Yall really turning a prestige award ceremony into a concert no wonder yall are falling off." Many more fans insisted they would be 'tuning out' when the singers take to the stage.
13 awards to be handed out
The ceremony will see 13 awards given out in total, including the Men's and Women's Ballon d'Or, the Kopa Trophy for players under 21, the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, the Gerd Muller Trophy for best striker, the Johan Cruyff Trophy for best coach, Club of the Year awards, and the Socrates Award for humanitarian and societal causes.
