The biggest individual honour in modern football will be handed out this evening at the 2026 edition of the Ballon d'Or ceremony, which arrives in London in a rare change of venue.
Football is a team sport but players are lying if they tell you they don't care about awards that recognise their individual achievements – and there is one award that stands above the rest.
Founded in 1956 by French sports newspaper L'Équipe, the Ballon d'Or and Ballon d'Or Féminin have gone on to become the sport's most prestigious individual prizes. Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí were left celebrating last year but it remains to be seen who will be crowned the 2026 winners.
England captain Harry Kane is in the running to get his hands on the famous trophy this evening. Should the Bayern Munich striker live up to his tag as bookies' favourite, he will become just the fifth Englishman to win the award and the first since Michael Owen in 2001.
The winners of the Kopa Trophy (best young player), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), coach of the year, and club of the year will also be named.
Both the men's and women's races are hotly contested this year so when will we find out who can be considered top of the pile?
Radio Times has rounded up everything you need to know about the Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony, including date, time and list of nominees.
When is the Ballon d'Or 2026?
The Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony will take place on .
The Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris is the regular host venue but it has been moved to the London Palladium this year in honour of inaugural winner Stanley Matthews.
What time is the Ballon d'Or 2026?
The Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony runs from 8pm to 10pm UK time.
The red carpet arrivals are between 6pm and 7:40pm, while the winner's press conference starts at 10:30pm.
Ballon d'Or 2026 nominees
Ballon d'Or – Men
Ballon d'Or Féminin – Women
- (Kansas City Current)
- (Barcelona/London City Lionesses)
- (North Carolina Courage/Chelsea)
- (Barcelona/London City Lionesses)
- (Real Madrid/OL Lyonnes)
- (RB Leipzig/Real Madrid)
- (BK Häcken/Real Madrid)
Coach of the Year — Men
- Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
Coach of the Year — Women
Club of the Year — Men
Club of the Year — Women
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