Ballon d’Or ceremony to be held in London on Oct 26, 2026

The prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in London for the first time in its history on October 26, 2026, organizers announced. The move from its traditional venue in France marks the 70th anniversary of the award, which was first presented to English football legend Sir Stanley Matthews in 1956.

The award, created by France Football magazine and widely regarded as the most prestigious individual honor in world football, has been presented in Paris for nearly all of its previous editions. Organizers stated that choosing London for the milestone anniversary pays tribute to Matthews as the inaugural winner and strengthens the award's global brand.

The exact venue in London has not yet been confirmed. The ceremony is expected to attract the world’s top footballers, coaches, and officials for one of the sport’s most celebrated nights.

The 2026 event could hold special significance for English football, as several England internationals are considered leading contenders for the prize. Harry Kane, the England captain who scored prolifically for Bayern Munich this past season, is widely cited as a favorite. Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who helped his club win a first league title in...