Ballon d’Or 2026: 30 nominees as 70th ceremony set for London Palladium on October 26

Thirty players have been nominated for the 70th Ballon d’Or, which will be presented at the London Palladium Theatre in London, England on Monday, October 26.

Fans around the world will be gearing up to witness the grand ceremony.

The Ballon d’Or is regarded as one of football’s most prestigious individual awards. Ousmane Dembele, the Ballon d’Or winner in 2025, appears on the 2026 shortlist after domestic success and a UEFA Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain. Lionel Messi, the record eight-time winner, is also included among the nominees following his top-of-the-line performances for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal are the favourites to clinch the award this year. The shortlist brings together players from different nations and football leagues. The 70th annual Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place outside of France for the first time.

"It’s almost time for the 70th Ballon d’Or Ceremony! 📍👀 Where will you be watching from?Watch it live on @DAZN, from 6PM to 10PM (local time). #ballondor pic.twitter.com/Pg7CVIP9yi"

For Indian fans, the ceremony is going to start at 01:30 am IST on October 27. For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.

The Ballon d’Or will be presented at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday, October 26, with live coverage available as noted above and the event’s local timing meaning the ceremony will begin at 01:30 am IST for viewers in India.