The Ballon d’Or will be held in London for the first time on 26 October, marking the 70th anniversary of the award.
Created in 1956 by France Football, the Ballon d’Or is widely recognised as one of football’s leading individual awards. This year’s ceremony will form part of the 70th edition and will take place in the United Kingdom capital as the event continues its international expansion.
Since 2024, the award has been co organised with UEFA. Organisers have stated that the decision to host the ceremony in London reflects the history of the award and its first winner, Stanley Matthews, who received the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 1956.
The move to London also represents a milestone for the ceremony, as it will be the first time the Ballon d’Or has been staged in England. It comes at a point in the football calendar when attention is turning towards the end of the European season and preparations for the FIFA World Cup.
The most recent winners of the award are Aitana Bonmati and Ousmane Dembele, who were recognised in 2025.
