When Is the Ballon d’Or 2026? The Date, Time, Nominees and Race for Football’s Biggest Prize

When Is Ballon d’Or 2026? Date, Time, Nominees, Predictions and Where to Watch
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Picture shows the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or trophy ahead of the award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 11, 2016. AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN (Photo by OLIVIER MORIN / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images)

The Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026, in London, England. The 70th edition of football’s biggest individual awards will leave Paris for the first time as France Football and UEFA stage the ceremony in the English capital.

The move marks a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the first Ballon d’Or winner in 1956. Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí won the men’s and women’s awards in 2025, but new winners will be crowned in London.

The Ballon d’Or 2026 nominees are due to be announced on September 8, with an international jury of journalists deciding the final winners. The awards will cover performances from the 2025-26 season, including major domestic and international competitions.


When is Ballon d’Or 2026 Time?

The Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony is scheduled for Monday, October 26, in London. The main ceremony is expected to begin at around 8 p.m. local time, although fans should check official updates for the final broadcast schedule.

The event will bring together leading players, coaches, and football figures for the award’s 70th anniversary. The London ceremony also marks the first time the Ballon d’Or has been held outside Paris.


Ballon d’Or 2026 Nominees

The Ballon d’Or 2026 nominees will be announced on September 8. The announcement will include the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or shortlists, with 30 players expected in each main category.

The same announcement will cover other awards, including the Kopa Trophy for the best young player, the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, and the Coach of the Year awards.


Ballon d’Or 2026 Voting Period

The Ballon d’Or 2026 voting period covers performances from the 2025-26 football season. The official reference period runs from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026.

For the men’s Ballon d’Or, 100 journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings will vote. The women’s award uses 50 journalists from the top 50 FIFA-ranked countries.

Voters consider individual performances, team achievements and trophies, followed by the player’s class and fair play. Each voter ranks 10 players, with points awarded based on their positions.


Ballon d’Or 2026 Predictions

Ballon d’Or 2026 predictions have centered on several major names, including Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé. Ousmane Dembélé also remains part of the discussion after winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

However, no player can be confirmed as the Ballon d’Or 2026 winner until the voting process is completed and the result is announced in London.

The final race will depend on performances during the official evaluation period and the votes submitted by the international jury.


Ballon d’Or 2026 List

The Ballon d’Or 2026 list currently includes the nominees for the club, coach, goalkeeper, and young talent awards.

Women’s Club of the Year

FC Barcelona
Bayern Munich
Club América
Manchester City
OL Lyonnes

Men’s Club of the Year

Arsenal
Bayern Munich
Bodø/Glimt
Flamengo
Paris Saint-Germain

Women’s Coach of the Year

Jonatan Giráldez (OL Lyonnes)
Andrée Jeglertz (Manchester City)
Nils Nielsen (Japan)
Pere Romeu (Barcelona)
Elena Sadiku (Celtic/BK Häcken)

Men’s Coach of the Year

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich)
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year

Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC)
Cata Coll (Barcelona)
Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
Lorena (Kansas City Current)
Ayaka Yamashita (Manchester City)

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year

Yassine Bounou
Thibaut Courtois
Joan García
Gregor Kobel
Emiliano Martínez
Édouard Mendy
David Raya
Matvey Safonov
Unai Simón
Vozinha

Women’s Young Talent of the Year

Veerle Buurman (Chelsea)
Vicky López (Barcelona)
Felicia Schröder (Häcken/Real Madrid)
Clara Serrajordi (Barcelona)
Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes)

Men’s Young Talent of the Year

Kerim Alajbegović
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Pau Cubarsí
Yan Diomandé
Lennart Karl
Éli Junior Kroupi
Lamine Yamal
Johan Manzambi
Ibrahim Maza
Warren Zaïre-Emery


Women’s Ballon d’Or 2026 List

The women’s 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist has now been fully revealed. The nominees are:

Selma Bacha
Barbra Banda
Klara Bühl
Esmee Brugts
Mariona Caldentey
Scarlett Camberos
Kerstin Casparij
Temwa Chawinga
Cata Coll
Melchie Dumornay
Caroline Graham Hansen
Alex Greenwood
Patri Guijarro
Pernille Harder
Yui Hasegawa
Rose Lavelle
Mapi León
Lorena
Melvine Malard
Manaka Matsukubo
Vivianne Miedema
Ewa Pajor
Claudia Pina
Alexia Putellas
Wendie Renard
Alessia Russo
Khadija Shaw
Momoko Tanikawa
Caroline Weir
Tessa Wullaert

Barcelona has the strongest representation, with eight current or recent players included on the shortlist.


Men’s Ballon d’Or 2026 List

The full 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has now been revealed. The nominees are:

Harry Kane
Vinícius Júnior
Fabián Ruiz
Vitinha
Ferran Torres
William Saliba
Dayot Upamecano
Bruno Fernandes
Pau Cubarsí
Marc Cucurella
Jude Bellingham
Ousmane Dembélé
Luis Díaz
Lamine Yamal
Erling Haaland
Gabriel Magalhães
Achraf Hakimi
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Lionel Messi
Sadio Mané
Marquinhos
Lautaro Martínez
Kylian Mbappé
Nuno Mendes
João Neves
Michael Olise
William Pacho
Julián Quiñones
Rodri
Declan Rice

Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland, Rodri and Lionel Messi are among the biggest names on the shortlist. Messi and Rodri return to the Ballon d’Or nominations as former winners.


Where to Watch Ballon d’Or 2026

Fans looking for where to watch Ballon d’Or 2026 should follow the official Ballon d’Or and UEFA channels for confirmed broadcast details.

Television and streaming rights can differ by country, so the final list of broadcasters will be important for viewers in Europe, the United States, and other regions.

The official Ballon d’Or platforms will also provide updates around the nominee announcement and ceremony.


Ballon d’Or 2026 Tickets

Ballon d’Or 2026 tickets are available through hospitality arrangements for supporters who want to attend the ceremony in London. Official hospitality packages can include premium seating, food, and event-related access.

Availability is limited because the ceremony draws players, coaches, clubs, and football officials. Fans should use approved hospitality providers and check the latest terms before purchasing.


Ballon d’Or 2027

The Ballon d’Or 2027 will have its own voting cycle and evaluation period after the 2026 award is completed. Players such as Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham could feature in future discussions, but there is no official 2027 shortlist yet.

For now, the focus remains on the Ballon d’Or 2026, with the nominees announced on September 8 and the winner revealed in London on October 26.

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When Is the Ballon d’Or 2026? The Date, Time, Nominees and Race for Football’s Biggest Prize

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