The Ballon d'Or is heading to London for the first time ever, marking a monumental shift for football's most coveted individual award! This year's ceremony, celebrating its 70th anniversary, promises to be an unforgettable night where legends are crowned and new heroes emerge.
Key Highlights for the 70th Ballon d'Or:
- Historic Venue: The prestigious event will take place at London's iconic Palladium Theatre on Monday, October 26.
- Star-Studded Hosts: Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and veteran broadcaster Kate Scott are set to co-host the gala.
- Elite Contenders: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland lead the men's nominees, while Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas headline the women's shortlist.
- Global Spectacle: The ceremony will be broadcast worldwide, ensuring fans everywhere can witness history unfold.
London Takes Centre Stage: A New Chapter for the Golden Ball
Football's grandest individual prize, the Ballon d'Or, is set to grace the hallowed stages of London. For its milestone 70th anniversary, the ceremony moves to the illustrious London Palladium Theatre on October 26, beginning at 20:00 GMT. This move signifies a fresh chapter, bringing the global football spotlight to one of the sport's spiritual homes.
Every triumphant player will receive an original trophy, a tradition underscoring the award's unparalleled prestige. With an international jury of journalists meticulously evaluating performances, the anticipation builds for who will join the ranks of football's immortals.
Dynamic Duo: Henry and Scott Lead the Gala
Guiding the evening's festivities will be a dream team of football expertise and broadcasting flair: Arsenal icon Thierry Henry and accomplished presenter Kate Scott. Their combined charisma and deep understanding of the beautiful game guarantee a captivating show.
Henry, a legendary striker turned respected analyst, expressed his honor at hosting in his adopted home. "London is the city I call home, and I have a deep connection to its football culture," he shared. His partnership with Scott, known for her multilingual broadcasting and prior Ballon d'Or hosting experience in 2014, 2015, and 2025, promises an energetic and insightful ceremony. Scott highlighted her excitement, stating the event is "the pinnacle of individual achievement in the game."
Men's Battle for Supremacy: Old Guard vs. New Generation
The men's Ballon d'Or race is as thrilling as ever, featuring a compelling clash between established titans and rising stars. Record eight-time winner Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) remains a formidable contender, aiming to extend his unparalleled legacy. Hot on his heels is former teammate Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), hungry for his maiden golden ball after his seismic transfer.
Joining them on the formidable 30-nominee shortlist are global superstars like Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham. The presence of previous winners Ousmane Dembele (2025) and Rodri (2024) adds another layer of intrigue. Crucially, a new generation is breaking through, with Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal making the senior award cut, alongside talents like Pau Cubarsi and Joao Neves. This blend of experience and youthful exuberance sets the stage for a truly historic win.
Women's Dominance: Bonmatí Leads the Charge
In the women's category, Spanish football's formidable influence continues to shine brightly. Reigning champion Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona) is once again a leading candidate to retain her crown after another extraordinary season. She is joined by her Barcelona compatriot Alexia Putellas, the only other former winner among the nominees, having secured back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.
The strong Barcelona contingent, which also includes Ewa Pajor and Caroline Graham Hansen, reaffirms their status as the gold standard in women's club football. However, competition is fierce, with Manchester City's Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp making strong cases. The shortlist also boasts a powerful international flavour, featuring prolific scorers like Zambia's Barbra Banda and Malawi's Temwa Chawinga, alongside emerging talents such as Esmee Brugts and Vicky Lopez, showcasing the game's global growth and burgeoning talent pool.
