Nominees announced for 2026 Ballon d’Or awards

The Ballon d’Or™, the most distinguished award in the world of football, will celebrate its 2026 ceremony on Monday 26 October at the London Palladium Theatre in London, England, for the first time.

This year’s edition carries special significance as the Ballon d’Or™, created by France Football in 1956, celebrates its 70th anniversary. Since 2024, the award has been co-organised by France Football (owned by the L’Équipe Group) and UEFA. The choice of London as host city pays tribute to the award’s inaugural winner, England’s Stanley Matthews.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or™ awards will feature the following categories:

• Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or™

• Men’s and Women’s Young Talent of the Year

• Men’s and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year

• Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year

• Men’s and Women’s Club of the Year

• Men’s and Women’s Striker of the Year

• Sócrates Award, presented by L’Équipe and Peace and Sport for solidarity initiatives and societal causes supported by a committed champion.

The full list of nominees in all categories is available here.

Media representatives wishing to attend and cover the ceremony are invited to submit their accreditation requests by 12 October here.

For the 70th Ballon d’Or™, ceremony hospitality packages and a very limited number of tickets will be sold via UEFA.com/tickets.

Further information and official announcements relating to the 2026 Ballon d’Or™ awards are available at ballondor.com and UEFA.com.