The 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will celebrate its 70th anniversary by being held in London on October 26 for the very first time.

Presented annually by France Football, the award has been co-organized with UEFA since 2024, and this year’s choice of venue pays tribute to English footballer Stanley Matthews, the inaugural winner 70 years ago.

UEFA said: “By staging its 70th edition in the capital of England and the United Kingdom, the Ballon d’Or continues its expansion and further strengthens its status as a globally prestigious brand.”

The London venue hosting the 70th anniversary ceremony will be announced by UEFA in due course.