Ballon d'Or 2026 Leaves Paris for London, Dembélé Candidate for His Own Succession

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place on Monday, October 26 at London Palladium in London, marking the return of the event outside France for the first time since the Zurich editions of 2010 to 2015. The organization chose the British capital as a tribute to Stanley Matthews, the first recipient of the trophy created by France Football in 1956, then a player for Blackpool.

Thirty players feature on the men’s list, including nine representatives from Paris Saint-Germain — a record equalled following the club’s second consecutive Ligue des Champions title. Six Spanish players and five French players complete a roll of honour dominated by the two major European clubs of the season. Lionel Messi and Rodri, two former winners, make their return among the nominees after two editions with no past winners on the list. A women’s selection of thirty players is also subject to voting.

Ousmane Dembélé, crowned last year, is a candidate for his own succession — an unprecedented configuration since Karim Benzema in 2023. Aitana Bonmati, winner of the women’s trophy, will also learn of her possible successor during this evening.

Thierry Henry and Kate Scott, usual hosts of Ligue des Champions evenings on CBS Sports, will officiate together at London Palladium. The rankings from 30th to 11th place, for both men and women, will be revealed ahead of the main ceremony, between 5:20 p.m. and 7:18 p.m. The red carpet opens at 7:30 p.m., with the ceremony itself beginning at 9:00 p.m. and ending at 10:57 p.m.