The 2026 Ballon d’Or will make history later this year when football’s most prestigious individual award leaves Paris for the first time in its 70-year existence.
The annual ceremony is scheduled for October 26, with London chosen to host the landmark celebration.
The awards will recognise performances between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026, meaning both the European club season and the recently concluded FIFA World Cup will heavily influence the final voting.
Historic Move Celebrates Seven Decades of the Award
UEFA and France Football have opted to stage the anniversary edition in the English capital as a tribute to the origins of the Ballon d’Or.
The decision honours Sir Stanley Matthews, the legendary English footballer who became the inaugural winner of the award in 1956.
By moving the ceremony to London, organisers aim to celebrate both the competition’s rich history and Matthews’ lasting legacy in the sport.
The ceremony is expected to begin at around 8 p.m. local time, although organisers have yet to announce the venue and official broadcast arrangements.
Messi Emerges as the Leading Candidate
Lionel Messi has positioned himself as the favourite to lift another Ballon d’Or after delivering another memorable World Cup campaign with Argentina.
The Argentine captain has impressed on the international stage despite playing his club football in Major League Soccer, with his performances helping Argentina challenge for another global title.
Those displays have significantly boosted his chances of claiming an unprecedented ninth Ballon d’Or, placing him at the top of bookmakers’ predictions heading into the ceremony.
Kane’s Grip on the Race Begins to Slip
For much of the season, Harry Kane appeared to be the player to beat following another prolific campaign with Bayern Munich.
However, setbacks in both the UEFA Champions League and England’s World Cup campaign have weakened his position in the race.
Although Kane remains among the strongest contenders, he is no longer viewed as the clear frontrunner after recent disappointments.
Bellingham Strengthens His Case
Jude Bellingham has enhanced his Ballon d’Or credentials through his influential displays for England during their impressive World Cup run.
While his club season with Real Madrid failed to meet the lofty expectations surrounding him, his leadership and performances on the international stage have kept him firmly among the leading candidates.
Many observers now expect the midfielder to feature prominently when the final rankings are announced.
Rising Stars Enter the Spotlight
Several younger stars have also forced their way into the Ballon d’Or conversation after outstanding campaigns.
Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal enjoyed a remarkable season, playing a key role in the club’s La Liga triumph before carrying that form onto the international stage with Spain.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich attacker Michael Olise has earned widespread praise after producing an exceptional campaign that included an impressive return of goals and assists, placing him among the standout performers of the year.
Familiar Names Still in the Running
Although they have slipped behind the leading contenders, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland remain part of the wider Ballon d’Or discussion thanks to their consistent performances at club level.
Midfielders Rodri and Vitinha have also received recognition for their commanding displays throughout the season, with both players continuing to establish themselves among world football’s elite.
Defending Winner Faces Uphill Battle
Last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele, is expected to find it difficult to retain the trophy.
Despite helping Paris Saint-Germain capture the UEFA Champions League title, his relatively quiet World Cup campaign with France has reduced his chances of becoming a back-to-back winner.
With the ceremony drawing closer, attention is shifting toward what promises to be one of the most closely watched Ballon d’Or races in recent years, as football’s biggest names compete for the sport’s ultimate individual honour.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or will make history later this year when football’s most prestigious individual award leaves Paris for the first time in its 70-year existence.
The annual ceremony is scheduled for October 26, with London chosen to host the landmark celebration.
The awards will recognise performances between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026, meaning both the European club season and the recently concluded FIFA World Cup will heavily influence the final voting.
Historic Move Celebrates Seven Decades of the Award
UEFA and France Football have opted to stage the anniversary edition in the English capital as a tribute to the origins of the Ballon d’Or.
The decision honours Sir Stanley Matthews, the legendary English footballer who became the inaugural winner of the award in 1956.
By moving the ceremony to London, organisers aim to celebrate both the competition’s rich history and Matthews’ lasting legacy in the sport.
The ceremony is expected to begin at around 8 p.m. local time, although organisers have yet to announce the venue and official broadcast arrangements.
Messi Emerges as the Leading Candidate
Lionel Messi has positioned himself as the favourite to lift another Ballon d’Or after delivering another memorable World Cup campaign with Argentina.
The Argentine captain has impressed on the international stage despite playing his club football in Major League Soccer, with his performances helping Argentina challenge for another global title.
Those displays have significantly boosted his chances of claiming an unprecedented ninth Ballon d’Or, placing him at the top of bookmakers’ predictions heading into the ceremony.
Kane’s Grip on the Race Begins to Slip
For much of the season, Harry Kane appeared to be the player to beat following another prolific campaign with Bayern Munich.
However, setbacks in both the UEFA Champions League and England’s World Cup campaign have weakened his position in the race.
Although Kane remains among the strongest contenders, he is no longer viewed as the clear frontrunner after recent disappointments.
Bellingham Strengthens His Case
Jude Bellingham has enhanced his Ballon d’Or credentials through his influential displays for England during their impressive World Cup run.
While his club season with Real Madrid failed to meet the lofty expectations surrounding him, his leadership and performances on the international stage have kept him firmly among the leading candidates.
Many observers now expect the midfielder to feature prominently when the final rankings are announced.
Rising Stars Enter the Spotlight
Several younger stars have also forced their way into the Ballon d’Or conversation after outstanding campaigns.
Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal enjoyed a remarkable season, playing a key role in the club’s La Liga triumph before carrying that form onto the international stage with Spain.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich attacker Michael Olise has earned widespread praise after producing an exceptional campaign that included an impressive return of goals and assists, placing him among the standout performers of the year.
Familiar Names Still in the Running
Although they have slipped behind the leading contenders, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland remain part of the wider Ballon d’Or discussion thanks to their consistent performances at club level.
Midfielders Rodri and Vitinha have also received recognition for their commanding displays throughout the season, with both players continuing to establish themselves among world football’s elite.
Defending Winner Faces Uphill Battle
Last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele, is expected to find it difficult to retain the trophy.
Despite helping Paris Saint-Germain capture the UEFA Champions League title, his relatively quiet World Cup campaign with France has reduced his chances of becoming a back-to-back winner.
With the ceremony drawing closer, attention is shifting toward what promises to be one of the most closely watched Ballon d’Or races in recent years, as football’s biggest names compete for the sport’s ultimate individual honour.
