Ballon d’Or ceremony is held in London for the first time

This year’s Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will be held in London for the first time on October 26, organizers said on Thursday, as the prestigious prize celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Created by France Football magazine in 1956, the Ballon d’Or is considered the most coveted individual award in world football.

The decision to stage the 70th edition in London was to pay tribute to England’s great Stanley Matthews, who became the first winner of the award 70 years ago, European football governing body UEFA said.

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“By staging its 70th edition in the capital of England and Great Britain, the Ballon d’Or continues its expansion and strengthens its status as a globally prestigious brand,” UEFA said.

The precise location for the ceremony, which traditionally takes place in Paris, has yet to be announced. Paris St. Germain winger Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati were the men’s and women’s winners in 2025.

Published on May 28, 2026