Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony to be held in London

The 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or gala is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 26. In a departure from its usual venue at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the ceremony will be held in London, England. This change serves as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the first-ever winner of the award in 1956.

Organizers France Football and L'Équipe will curate a shortlist of 30 players for both the men's and women's categories. An international jury, consisting of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations for men and the top 50 for women, will vote based on individual performance, collective achievements, and fair play. Voting follows a weighted point system where a first-place selection earns 15 points.

Discussions surrounding the 2026 race involve various analytical methods, including power rankings that weigh club form, international success, and statistical output. Because the race is influenced by major tournaments and individual consistency, rankings are subject to frequent updates throughout the season.