Ballon d’Or: 10 Essential Facts About The 2026 Award

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place tonight, marking the 70th anniversary of football’s most prestigious individual prize. From a historic change of venue to one of the tightest races in years, here are the essential facts you need before the winner is revealed.

1. It is happening in London for the first time

The ceremony will be held at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, starting at 20:00 GMT. It is the first time the event has moved from France, with organisers paying tribute to the inaugural winner, England’s Stanley Matthews, who claimed the prize in 1956.

2. Harry Kane is the overwhelming favourite

The England captain is widely regarded as the frontrunner after a phenomenal 2025-26 season in which he scored 73 goals across club and international competitions. He also led England to a World Cup bronze medal and finished as the tournament’s fifth-top scorer. If he wins, he will become the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to lift the trophy.

3. Lamine Yamal is the closest challenger

The teenage sensation is the nearest rival following a standout season. Yamal was a key part of Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning side and Barcelona’s La Liga and Spanish Super Cup-winning season, contributing 24 goals and 18 assists despite injury interruptions.

4. Kylian Mbappe remains in the conversation

Mbappe is also firmly in contention after a strong campaign. He became the first man to win two World Cup Golden Boots, though he failed to win a major club trophy last season.

5. A panel of 100 journalists decides the winner

For the men’s award, 100 journalists—one from each of FIFA’s top 100-ranked nations—rank their top 10 players from the 30-man shortlist. Points are awarded as follows: 15 for first, 12 for second, 10 for third, down to 1 point for tenth place.

6. Voters must weigh three criteria

Jurors are instructed to judge players on three factors, in order of importance: individual performances (decisive and impressive character), collective performances and titles won, and class and fair play.

7. Only last season counts

The assessment period is strictly August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026—the date of the 2026 World Cup final. This means Kane’s strong start to the 2026-27 campaign, or Messi’s recent form for Inter Miami, cannot influence the vote.

8. The 30-man shortlist is star-studded but missing Ronaldo

The nominees include Kane, Yamal, Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Vinicius Junior, and Lionel Messi, who is chasing a record-extending ninth award. Cristiano Ronaldo is absent from the list.

9. Alexia Putellas is the clear favourite for the Women’s award

The women’s Ballon d’Or is also decided tonight, with Alexia Putellas expected to win her third title. She captained Barcelona to a quadruple, including the Champions League, and scored 21 goals with 13 assists. The women’s prize is voted on by 50 journalists from the top 50 ranked nations.

10. Messi still holds the records

Lionel Messi has won the most Ballon d’Ors with eight (2009-2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023), while Cristiano Ronaldo has the most nominations with 18. The award was not given in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.