The Ballon d’Or awards ceremony is upon us once again with the world’s greatest footballer for 2026 set to be crowned tonight.
Usually held in Paris, the most prestigious and coveted individual honour in the sport will be handed out in London for the first time ever on Monday evening as France Football temporarily takes its glitzy show across the Channel.
That is to mark the 70th anniversary of the great Sir Stanley Matthews’ victory in the first ever Ballon d’Or race back in 1956 while playing for Blackpool, topping an illustrious shortlist that also included the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano, Raymond Kopa, Ferenc Puskas and Lev Yashin.
Thierry Henry and Kate Scott host proceedings at the London Palladium, where favourite Harry Kane will be desperate to clinch his first Ballon d’Or win on home soil and take over from Paris Saint-Germain and France star Ousmane Dembele.
Kane would become the first English player to do so since Michael Owen in 2001, joining an illustrious list that also includes Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and two-time winner Kevin Keegan.
However, it is far from a foregone conclusion, with Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe also in contention from an incredible shortlist of nominees, while there will be plenty of support as usual for record eight-time winner Lionel Messi.
Alexia Putellas is the overwhelming favourite to claim this year’s Ballon d'Or Feminin, ending Spain team-mate Aitana Bonmati’s three-year run at the top of the women’s game.
Top prize: The Ballon d’Or award is the most prestigious individual honour in football
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There are a host of other awards to be won on a memorable night in the capital, including the men’s and women’s Kopa Trophy for best young player, plus best goalkeeper, best coach, club of the year, the Gerd Muller Trophy and more.
Where to watch Ballon d’Or 2026 FOR FREE
TV channel and live stream: You can watch the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony live across the world on DAZN for free. Those without an existing DAZN account will have to sign up for a free membership using their email address.
Live blog: Follow the ceremony as it happens, plus all the build-up and reaction with Standard Sport’s extensive live blog throughout Monday afternoon and evening.