Ballon d'Or 2026: Iconic Venue and Star-Studded Hosting Duo Revealed for 70th Edition

The Ballon d'Or is heading to London for the first time, with the 70th edition of the awards set for Monday, 26 October, at the London Palladium Theatre.

The gala starts at 20:00 GMT and will be broadcast around the world, according to UEFA. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and presenter Kate Scott will host the ceremony.

"I'm honoured to be hosting this year's Ballon d'Or. London is the city I call home, and I have a deep connection to its football culture and the passionate fans here, so hosting the ceremony alongside my friend and colleague Kate feels like a natural fit," Henry said.

The pair already work together on Champions League coverage.

Henry and Scott confirmed as Ballon d’Or hosts

Scott has hosted the ceremony before, in 2014, 2015 and 2025.

"The Ballon d'Or is an iconic night on the football calendar and the pinnacle of individual achievement in the game. I love seeing the football world come together to honour the players who inspire generations. I'm incredibly grateful and excited to be hosting this legendary event again," she said.

Please welcome Kate Scott & Thierry Henry, our 2026 Ballon d’Or masters of ceremonies! We’re already looking forward to seeing them share the stage next Monday in London! 🌕 Find more here: https://t.co/ODxSNKeuDj #ballondor https://t.co/oOloDh2yT4

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 19, 2026

Every winner receives an original trophy to keep. France Football produces a new trophy for each category every year, although Diego Maradona and Pelé received honorary awards during their lifetimes.

The men's shortlist features 30 nominees. Lionel Messi, the record eight-time winner, is among them while representing Inter Miami. Kylian Mbappé is also in contention as he chases his first Ballon d'Or after joining Real Madrid.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior and his teammate Jude Bellingham are also among the contenders. Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 winner, and Barcelona's Rodri, the 2024 winner, are also included.

Younger players have made the shortlist as well, including Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, his teammate Pau Cubarsí and PSG's João Neves.

In the women's category, Spanish football leads the way. Aitana Bonmatí, the 2025 winner, is a leading contender to retain her crown. Her Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas is the only other former winner on the shortlist, having claimed the award in consecutive years in 2021 and 2022.

Barcelona also have Ewa Pajor and Caroline Graham Hansen among the nominees, while Manchester City's Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp are also in contention.

Zambia's Barbra Banda, Malawi's Temwa Chawinga, Esmee Brugts and Vicky López are among the other nominees, highlighting the international reach of the women's game.