Ballon d'Or ceremony details and Melchie Dumornay rankings

The 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 at the London Palladium, marking the first time the event moves from its traditional Paris location to London. France Football and UEFA announced that Thierry Henry and journalist Kate Scott will host the gala.

Former Arsenal striker Didier Drogba, who previously hosted the event, expressed regret over his exclusion from the presentation. Drogba criticized the involvement of UEFA in the co-organization, stating, “It is a shame to prioritize bureaucracy over passion and proximity to the field.”

In women's football, Haitian international Melchie Dumornay has emerged as a top contender for the Ballon d'Or Féminin. According to a poll by The Athletic, Dumornay ranked fourth with 246 points, trailing Patri Guijarro, Khadija Shaw, and Alexia Putellas. Dumornay's strong season with Olympique Lyonnais included 22 goals and 12 assists, contributing to a domestic treble for her club.