2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony: date, time and how to watch

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026, at London’s Palladium, marking the first time the event is held outside Paris and paying tribute to inaugural men’s winner Sir Stanley Matthews. The main ceremony is scheduled for 8 p.m. UK time and 9 p.m. in Nigeria, with red-carpet arrivals beginning at 6 p.m. in London. Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal are among the men’s contenders, alongside defending champion Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland; Alexia Putellas is nominated in the women’s category. Viewers can follow the event through the official Ballon d’Or website and designated broadcast partners.