UEFA Sets 2026 Ballon D'or London Ceremony for October 26
UEFA and France Football will stage the 2026 ballon d'or london ceremony on October 26, and the award will leave Paris for England for the first time. The 70th edition lands in London with Ousmane Dembele entering as the player to beat after his 2025 win.
London Takes the 70th Gala
The venue switch gives the Ballon d’Or its first trip to English soil. UEFA and France Football said the choice pays tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the award’s inaugural winner 70 years ago.
That places the ceremony in a different setting from the one most closely linked with the trophy, while keeping the same core structure of men’s and women’s awards. Fans can also expect the shortlists for the Men’s Ballon d’Or, Women’s Ballon d’Or, Kopa Trophy and Yashin Trophy to arrive as the night gets closer.
Dembele, Bonmati and the Chase
Dembele won the men’s Ballon d’Or in 2025, and Lamine Yamal is among the players aiming to dethrone him. Harry Kane is also in the field, with the London ceremony giving him a chance to win the award in his home country.
Aitana Bonmati will defend the women’s prize in 2026, keeping the women’s race tied to the same gala. Lionel Messi remains the most decorated player in the award’s history with eight titles, a benchmark that still sits far above the rest of the field.
The London event also marks the third year of the strategic partnership between UEFA and Group Amaury, which has co-organised the gala since 2024. For the sport’s top individual prize, the move widens the stage while keeping the calendar fixed on October 26.
