The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in London on 26 October, marking the first time the prestigious awards have been staged in England.
The ceremony will take place as the Ballon d’Or celebrates its 70th anniversary. Organisers said the decision to move the event from France was made as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the English footballer who became the award’s first winner in 1956.
The men’s shortlist includes Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal. Cristiano Ronaldo is not among the 30 nominees.
The award will recognise performances during the 2025-26 season, including international competitions and the 2026 World Cup. The winners will be chosen by an international jury of football journalists.
