The Ballon d'Or awards ceremony will move from Paris to London for the 2026 edition [1, 2].
This shift marks a rare departure from the traditional French venue for one of football's most prestigious honors. By relocating the event, organizers intend to celebrate the historical roots of the prize and its global impact on the sport.
The ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026 [3, 1]. The move serves as a tribute to the 70th anniversary of the award [1], which was first established in 1956 [1].
London was selected as the host city to honor the legacy of Stanley Matthews, the English great who became the first player to win the trophy [1, 2]. The decision recognizes the intersection of the award's origins and the early dominance of English football on the world stage.
While the venue has changed, the core structure of the competition remains. The final selection will be drawn from a shortlist of 30 players [4]. This group represents the elite tier of global talent evaluated over the preceding season.
France Football typically hosts the event in the French capital, but the 2026 anniversary provides a unique justification for the move [1, 2]. The event is expected to draw significant international attention as it commemorates seven decades of individual excellence in the game.
“The ceremony will move from Paris to London for the 2026 edition”
The relocation of the Ballon d'Or ceremony signifies a strategic effort by France Football to lean into the award's heritage. By honoring Stanley Matthews in London, the organization reinforces the trophy's legitimacy as a global institution rather than a purely French venture, while utilizing the 70th anniversary to boost the event's prestige and viewership.
