Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Ballon d'Or ceremony will be head in London this year (Reuters)The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place in London for the first time, commemorating the award's 70th anniversary. Scheduled for 26 October 2026, the prestigious event, which recognises the world's best footballer, will be hosted at an undisclosed London venue. This relocation to the UK capital acknowledges the award's history, as Englishman Stanley Matthews was the inaugural winner seven decades ago. Presented by France Football and co-organised by UEFA since 2024, the award saw Ousmane Dembele as the most recent male recipient. England captain Harry Kane is considered a leading contender for the upcoming award, following his exceptional goalscoring form for Bayern Munich. In fullBallon d’Or ceremony to be held in London for first timeThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Why the Ballon d’Or ceremony is heading to London this year
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Ballon d'Or ceremony will be head in London this year (Reuters)The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place in London for the first time, commemorating the award's 70th anniversary. Scheduled for 26 October 2026, the prestigious event, which recognises the world's best footballer, will be hosted at an undisclosed London venue. This relocation to the UK capital acknowledges the award's history, as Englishman Stanley Matthews was the inaugural winner seven decades ago. Presented by France Football and co-organised by UEFA since 2024, the award saw Ousmane Dembele as the most recent male recipient. England captain Harry Kane is considered a leading contender for the upcoming award, following his exceptional goalscoring form for Bayern Munich. In fullBallon d’Or ceremony to be held in London for first timeThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
