London to host Ballon d’Or ceremony for the first time in history

The prestigious Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held in London for the first time in its history later this year, organisers announced on Thursday (May 28).

The 2026 edition of football’s most coveted individual award is scheduled to take place on October 26, marking the 70th anniversary of the first-ever Ballon d’Or presented to legendary English footballer Stanley Matthews in 1956.

Traditionally hosted in Paris, the glamorous ceremony has long been associated with French football magazine France Football and its parent company Groupe L'Équipe, which organise and present the award annually.

Organisers, however, have yet to announce the specific venue in London where the ceremony will take place.

The Ballon d’Or has historically been dominated by football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who defined an era of global football rivalry over the past two decades.

Last year’s award was won by Ousmane Dembélé, the winger of Paris Saint-Germain F.C., continuing the tradition of recognising football’s top-performing player on the global stage.