For the first time, football’s most famous individual award will be handed out outside France.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday, October 26, at the London Palladium, a move that breaks with seven decades of Parisian tradition. Organisers chose the British capital to honour Stanley Matthews, the England winger who collected the very first trophy back in 1956.
The 30-man shortlist for the men’s prize was unveiled on September 8. Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is widely seen as one of the front-runners, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise also tipped to challenge. Reigning holder Ousmane Dembele is back on the list, alongside Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
Messi in, Ronaldo out
Lionel Messi, now with Inter Miami, earned another nomination in what has been an emotional year for the Argentine, though few expect him to add a ninth title. Cristiano Ronaldo, by contrast, did not make the cut.
More than one trophy
The evening will also crown the best female player, the top young talent, the leading goalkeeper, coach and club, and the season’s most prolific striker. The Socrates Award, which recognises players’ social and charitable work, will be presented as well.
The show will be hosted by broadcaster Kate Scott and former France striker Thierry Henry. The award has been co-organised by France Football and UEFA since 2024.
Key facts
- Ceremony: October 26, 2026, London Palladium
- Shortlist revealed: September 8, 2026 (30 men’s nominees)
- Leading contenders: Kane, Yamal, Mbappe, Olise
- Holder: Ousmane Dembele (2025)