The 2026 Ballon d'Or winner is named on Monday, October 26. The gala starts at 8:00 PM UK time.
The ceremony takes place at the London Palladium Theatre. It is the first Ballon d'Or gala ever held in London.
France Football created the award in 1956. The first winner was England's Stanley Matthews.
Thierry Henry and Kate Scott will host the show. Henry was runner-up in the 2003 vote.
Thirty players made the men's shortlist. It includes three past winners: Messi, Dembele and Rodri.
Harry Kane scored 73 goals for club and country last season. He is one of the leading candidates.
Kane struck 61 times in 51 games for Bayern Munich. He added 12 more for England.
Mbappe scored 10 World Cup goals for France. Yamal won the World Cup with Spain.
Alexia Putellas is the only past winner on the women's list. She won it in 2021 and 2022.
One journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries casts a ballot. Fair play counts too.
The gala also honours young talent, goalkeepers, coaches, clubs and top scorers.
The show airs live on DAZN. Tap through for the full explainer on Rive News.
Get the full breakdown, key numbers, and what happens next.
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