The Ballon d’Or 2026 is one of the biggest events in world football, bringing together the sport’s leading players, coaches, and personalities to celebrate outstanding performances during the 2025–26 season. The prestigious awards ceremony will take place in London for the first time, marking the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or.
Football fans worldwide are looking forward to discovering who will win the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, along with the other major awards presented during the ceremony.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about the Ballon d’Or 2026, including the official date, start time, venue, nominees, award categories, and how to watch the ceremony live.
When Is the Ballon d’Or 2026 Ceremony?
The Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The 70th edition of the awards will recognize outstanding performances during the 2025–26 season. Players will be evaluated on their individual performances, contributions to their teams, achievements, and sporting conduct.
The ceremony is organized by France Football in partnership with UEFA, which has co-organized the awards since 2024.
What Time Does the Ballon d’Or 2026 Start?
The official Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM UK time (GMT) on Monday, October 26.
Here are the key times for viewers in different locations:
London, UK: 8:00 PM
Central Europe: 9:00 PM
India: 1:30 AM on Tuesday, October 27
New York, USA: 3:00 PM
Los Angeles, USA: 12:00 PM
The red carpet is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM in London, giving fans an opportunity to follow the arrivals and interviews before the main ceremony.
Times may vary for pre-show coverage and regional broadcasts.
Where Will the Ballon d’Or 2026 Take Place?
The Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony will be held at The London Palladium, a historic theatre in London, England.
Venue: The London Palladium
Location: Argyll Street, London, United Kingdom
Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Ceremony start: 8:00 PM GMT
This marks the first time London has hosted the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The decision pays tribute to Stanley Matthews, the English football legend who won the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 1956.
The 70th anniversary makes this edition particularly significant in the history of one of football’s most prestigious individual awards.
Who Are the Ballon d’Or 2026 Nominees?
The Ballon d’Or 2026 shortlist was announced in September, with leading players from major domestic leagues and international competitions included across the award categories.
The men’s and women’s awards attract particular attention, as supporters debate which players have delivered the strongest performances throughout the season.
Several factors can influence the final outcome, including individual statistics, consistency, performances in decisive matches, and contributions to team success.
For the complete and officially confirmed list of nominees, visit the UEFA Ballon d’Or 2026 announcement.
The final winners will be revealed during the ceremony on October 26.
How Is the Ballon d’Or Winner Chosen?
The Ballon d’Or winner is selected through a voting process involving an international jury of football journalists.
Voters assess eligible players using established criteria, including:
Individual performances and decisive contributions.
Team achievements and trophies won.
Sporting conduct and professional attitude.
The award is not determined solely by goals scored or trophies won. Overall performance and a player's influence on important matches are also relevant to the evaluation.
The men's and women's awards have separate voting juries and nominee lists.
Which Awards Will Be Presented at the Ballon d’Or 2026?
The ceremony celebrates achievements across several areas of football, not just the best male and female players.
The announced award categories include:
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Recognizes the leading male footballer.
Women’s Ballon d’Or: Recognizes the leading female footballer.
Men’s and Women’s Young Talent of the Year: Honors outstanding young players.
Men’s and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Recognizes exceptional goalkeeping performances.
Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year: Celebrates outstanding coaching achievements.
Men’s and Women’s Club of the Year: Recognizes leading clubs.
Men’s and Women’s Striker of the Year: Honors top attacking performers.
Sócrates Award: Recognizes humanitarian initiatives and social contributions connected to football.
These awards highlight the individual talent, teamwork, leadership, and social impact that shape the modern game.
Who Will Host the Ballon d’Or 2026 Ceremony?
Football legend Thierry Henry and British sports presenter Kate Scott will host the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Henry, a former France international and one of the most celebrated forwards of his generation, brings extensive experience at the highest level of football.
Scott is an established sports presenter who has previously hosted the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Their roles will include welcoming guests and guiding viewers through the evening’s awards.
The official announcement is available on the Ballon d’Or website.
How to Watch the Ballon d’Or 2026 Live
Football fans can follow the ceremony through official broadcasters and authorized streaming services, depending on their country or region.
To find the available broadcast options, check the official Ballon d’Or website and UEFA’s coverage information.
Fans can also follow the latest updates, nominee announcements, interviews, rankings, and winner announcements through the official channels:
Checking local broadcasting information in advance is the best way to avoid missing the ceremony.
Why Is the Ballon d’Or 2026 Special?
The 2026 edition marks the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, which was first awarded in 1956.
Holding the ceremony in London represents a departure from the event’s more recent tradition of taking place in Paris. The choice of host city honors Stanley Matthews, the first player to receive the award.
Over the decades, the Ballon d’Or has become a major reference point for individual excellence in football. Its winners have included some of the most influential players in the history of the sport.
The 2026 ceremony will continue that tradition by recognizing outstanding performances from the 2025–26 season.
Ballon d’Or 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ballon d’Or 2026?
The ceremony will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026.
What time does the Ballon d’Or 2026 start?
The main ceremony is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM GMT in London, equivalent to 11:30 PM in Iran.
Where is the Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony being held?
The ceremony will take place at The London Palladium in London, United Kingdom.
Who will host the Ballon d’Or 2026?
Thierry Henry and Kate Scott will host the 70th edition of the awards.
When will the Ballon d’Or 2026 winner be announced?
The winners will be revealed during the ceremony on October 26, 2026.
Where can I find the official Ballon d’Or 2026 nominees?
The complete nominee lists are available through the official Ballon d’Or and UEFA websites.
How can I watch the Ballon d’Or 2026 live?
Check official broadcast partners and authorized streaming services in your region for live coverage.
Final Thoughts
The Ballon d’Or 2026 promises to be a major occasion for football fans, celebrating the achievements of the game’s leading players, coaches, and clubs.
Taking place on October 26 at The London Palladium, the 70th edition will be particularly memorable as the ceremony moves to London for the first time to mark the award’s historic anniversary.
With the nominees announced and the ceremony approaching, attention will turn to the final voting results and the players who will take home this year’s trophies.
For the latest updates on the Ballon d’Or 2026 date, time, venue, nominees, and winners, follow the official Ballon d’Or website and UEFA coverage.