Ballon d’Or: 10 Essential Facts About The 2026 Award

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place tonight, marking the 70th anniversary of football’s most prestigious individual prize. From a historic change of venue to one of the tightest races in years, here are the essential facts you need before the winner is revealed.
1. It is happening in London for the first time
The ceremony will be held at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, starting at 20:00 GMT. It is the first time the event has moved from France, with organisers paying tribute to the inaugural winner, England’s Stanley Matthews, who claimed the prize in 1956.
2. Harry Kane is the overwhelming favourite
The England captain is widely regarded as the frontrunner after...