Ballon d'Or Opens 2026 Ceremony in London

Soccer's leading players and coaches have gathered at the London Palladium for the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony, held on October 26, 2026, as contenders compete for individual honors across men's and women's soccer. The event features the men's and women's awards alongside prizes recognizing young players, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs, according to ESPN's live coverage. Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are among the leading contenders for the men's Ballon d'Or, which recognizes individual achievement in soccer.

Eight-time winner Lionel Messi is also in contention, alongside defending champion Ousmane Dembélé, ESPN reported. The men's award is one of the ceremony's main attractions, bringing together established stars and younger players competing for one of the sport's most prominent individual honors. ESPN's coverage identifies the five players as contenders but does not provide final rankings or a confirmed winner in the available report.

On the women's side, Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Melchie Dumornay are among the candidates competing for the award. Their challenge follows a three-year run in which Aitana Bonmatí won the women's Ballon d'Or, according to ESPN.

The women's race adds another major contest to the London ceremony, with the nominated players seeking recognition for their performances in the sport. The available report identifies the contenders but does not establish the final result of the award. Additional honors are scheduled across men's and women's soccer, including awards for the best young players, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs. These categories broaden the ceremony beyond the two principal individual prizes and recognize achievements across different areas of the game.

ESPN's report, published on October 26, 2026, provides live coverage of the event, including updates, reactions and results from London. The available source material outlines the leading contenders and award categories but does not include confirmed winners for the 2026 ceremony.