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Yamal, Mbappé, Kane and Messi in Contention to Win the Ballon d'Or. Here's What to Know
Today, Monday, October 26, 2026, the 70th Ballon d'Or gala takes place at the London Palladium, marking the first time the prestigious ceremony is held outside France.
Organizers relocated the ceremony to London to honor inaugural 1956 winner Stanley Matthews, with jurors evaluating performances from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026.
England captain Harry Kane enters the ceremony as the bookmakers' favorite, holding about 70 percent of the market share, while Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal remain primary challengers.
Beyond the main prize, officials will present 13 total awards, including the Kopa Trophy for U-21 players, the Yashin Trophy for goalkeepers, and the Socrates Award.
Spotlighting a new generation, the gala represents a shift beyond the long-standing rivalry of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with emerging stars ready to define the sport's future.
It will be in London, where the French magazine France Football will hold the ceremony that it usually does in Paris. In addition to the "Pulga", there is another Argentine among the candidates.