Ballon d’Or 2026: All you need to know ahead of Monday’s ceremony in London

The 70th anniversary Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place at the London Palladium in London on Monday, October 26, 2026, starting at 8pm. The event marks the first time the ceremony has been held in London, honoring the inaugural 1956 recipient, England's Stanley Matthews. An international jury of specialized journalists will vote across three main criteria based on performances from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026.

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has emerged as the bookmakers' favorite for the men's award alongside Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. For the women's prize, London City Lionesses star Alexia Putellas leads the odds. The ceremony will also feature multiple individual trophies and a fan vote for the 'Ballon d'Or Of All Time' (BOAT).