London to host 2026 Ballon d’Or in October

London will host the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony on October 26, organizers announced Thursday. This marks the first time the prestigious football award ceremony will be held in the British capital. The event coincides with the 70th anniversary of England's Stanley Matthews receiving the trophy in 1956.

The Ballon d'Or, considered football's most significant individual prize, has seen a long period of dominance by global superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Last year's ceremony in Paris saw Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele take home the award. Details regarding the specific London venue for the 2026 event have not yet been revealed.

Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or awards, with an impressive eight wins. His victories span multiple years, including a remarkable streak of four consecutive awards from 2009 to 2012. Cristiano Ronaldo has secured the award five times, showcasing his sustained excellence at the highest level of European football. The intense rivalry between these two players is widely celebrated as one of the greatest in the sport's history, as they consistently pushed each other to achieve extraordinary individual and team records.

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The Ballon d’Or ceremony for 2026 will take place for the first time in London on October 26 to mark the 70th anniversary of the trophy being awarded to England’s Stanley Matthews in 1956, organisers announced on Thursday.