The Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held in London for the first time this year, with the London Palladium chosen as the host venue. The event, which honours the previous season's best footballer as voted by journalists worldwide, is considered the sport's most prestigious individual award.
Since 2019, the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris has hosted the ceremony, reflecting the award's history after being founded by French magazine France Football 70 years ago. However, this year's edition will temporarily move to the UK capital.
Return to the Birthplace of the Award
The move is linked to Sir Stanley Matthews, who received the inaugural trophy at Blackpool Town Hall in 1956. The Ballon d'Or is celebrating its 70th anniversary by returning to the country of its first recipient.
According to the Ballon d'Or organisers, temporarily holding the gala in London honours the 70th anniversary and brings the award "back to where the Ballon d'Or all began."
England's Historic Connection
The Ballon d'Or website explains: "It is fitting in such a landmark year to celebrate the finest present-day exponents of the beautiful game in the beating heart of the country that first conceived of it."
"So it was that in December 1956, Sir Stanley Matthews accepted his ultimate accolade in a small town hall in Blackpool. And though it was only a ceremony of sorts, and though this year's gala is being held 250 miles south of the Lancashire coastline, it can be stated that this autumn football is coming home. Back to where the Ballon d'Or all began."
England has strong links to the award, with four Englishmen having won the trophy. Harry Kane is hoping to become the fifth at the ceremony on Monday evening.
