The best and brightest of world football will pack at the London Palladium in London for the 70th Ballon d’Or award ceremony tonight.
Given to the best player of the 2025-26 season, the upcoming ceremony will mark the award’s 70th edition, and the first time it is held outside France in honour of Sir Stanley Matthews, the first recipient of the men’s Ballon d’Or in 1956.
What is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or is the highest individual award given to a footballer, based on his or her performance in the previous season.
The award was created in 1956 by two sports writers, Gabriel Hanot and Jacques Ferran, from France Football, a French magazine.
Originally, the men’s award was limited to European players, but in 1995 it was expanded to include all players of any origin active at European clubs. Finally, in 2007, it became a global award with all professional footballers being eligible.
The women’s Ballon d’Or started in 2018 when Ada Hegerberg was named the inaugural winner.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and Groupe Amaury – owners of France Football and L’Equipe – have co-organised the Ballon d’Or since the 2024 edition.
Watch the Ballon d’Or Ceremony Live Updates Below.
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