Kylian Mbappé confirmed to attend 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London

Kylian Mbappé will be in attendance at the Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday, October 26, 2026, Fabrizio Romano confirmed. The Real Madrid forward is among the favourites to win the 70th Ballon d'Or.

The 2026 edition marks the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or and will be staged in London for the first time. The award will recognise the best player of the 2025-26 campaign. There are 30 nominated players for the prize. Reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé is among the nominees, and Mbappé has never clinched the Ballon d'Or.

Mbappé is listed among the leading contenders alongside Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal after his performances for Real Madrid and the France national football team, and he has said he "deserves" to win the Ballon d'Or this year over the other nominated stars. After scoring a match-winning brace in El Clásico, Mbappé is due to travel to London for the ceremony.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano posted: "🚨 CONFIRMED: Kylian Mbappé will be in London for the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony today! 🏆#Mbappe #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/62pH7SVkA2" to confirm the forward's presence. Since 2024 no Real Madrid player has attended the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Several other nominated players, including Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal, are expected to be in London to attend the awards, and Ousmane Dembélé will be present despite carrying an injury.

Mbappé's confirmed presence means he will be in London when the single winner is named at the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday, October 26, 2026.