Henry and Scott to Host 2026 Ballon d'Or in London

French football legend Thierry Henry and British journalist Kate Scott will present the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium in England on October 26, as France Football and UEFA prepare to mark the award's 70th anniversary. Separately, Chelsea midfielder Morgan Rogers has endorsed Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane for the men's prize, citing his achievements for club and country.

France Football and UEFA announced the hosting arrangement in a publication on October 19. The ceremony's move to London commemorates the first Ballon d'Or award, presented to Sir Stanley Matthews in 1956, and ends a run of ceremonies at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris that began in 2019.

Henry finished second in the 2003 Ballon d'Or voting and received nine nominations during his career, according to France Football. The former France international won the 1998 World Cup and the 2009 Champions League. He also works on Champions League coverage for CBS Sports in the United States alongside Scott and other football analysts.

Henry said he welcomed the opportunity to host the event in a city closely connected to his playing career, particularly his time with Arsenal in north London.

"I am honored 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, to be hosting here alongside my friend and colleague, Kate, feels like a natural fit.

It promises to be a brilliant evening celebrating the very best of the game." Henry said.

Scott has previously presented the Ballon d'Or ceremony in 2014 and 2015 and returned as a co-host in 2025 alongside Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit. France Football described her as an internationally recognized journalist and noted her regular role alongside Henry on CBS Sports' Champions League broadcasts.

Scott described the ceremony's significance within the sport and welcomed another opportunity to present the awards.

"The Ballon d'Or is an iconic night on the football calendar and the pinnacle of individual achievement in the game." Scott said.

Meanwhile, Rogers has argued that Kane deserves the 2026 award after an outstanding season with Bayern Munich and England. Speaking to Hayters TV, the Chelsea midfielder pointed to the striker's goalscoring record and major achievements as evidence of his case.

"Harry Kane should win the Ballon d'Or. He defied what people could imagine he could do. Treble, and hat-tricks in finals, goals in the 2026 World Cup, goals for Bayern.

What more can he do? That has to be rewarded." Rogers said.

Kane scored 73 goals for England and Bayern Munich across all competitions last season, according to the Daily Post. The 33-year-old joined Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur and remains a leading contender in the discussion surrounding the 2026 individual award.