The Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on 26 October 2026 marked the 70th edition of the award and paid tribute to legendary English icon Stanley Matthews, who won the inaugural prize in 1956. The event, which opened at 7 p.m. GMT, drew a mix of football insiders, journalists and fans eager to see who would be crowned the best players in both the men’s and women’s categories.
In the lead‑up to the ceremony, DAZN secured an interview with former England striker Michael Owen, who reflected on the recent passing of fellow British legend Kevin Keegan. Owen praised the quality of the competition this year but expressed uncertainty about who truly deserves the title of world’s best. He noted that while Harry Kane has been a prolific goal‑scorer and playmaker, his performances in major tournaments such as the World Cup and Champions League have not been decisive enough to secure the award. Instead, Owen suggested that Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal are the front‑running candidates, with Yamal’s influence at Barcelona and his World Cup semi‑final display giving him an edge in Owen’s view.
The discussion also touched on the women’s Ballon d’Or, where Alexia Putellas of Barcelona is widely considered the favourite. Most commentators agree that Putellas’ performances have positioned her as the leading contender for the women’s title, though the men’s competition remains more contested.
The Ballon d’Or website had previously released articles praising Kane, Mbappé and Yamal, hinting at the potential order of the shortlist. The order of the list is crucial, as it signals the perceived hierarchy among the nominees. The ceremony’s focus on Matthews underscores the event’s return to England after several years abroad and highlights the enduring legacy of English football.
As the night progressed, journalists from the top 100 FIFA‑ranked countries will present their votes, and the final announcements will determine the winners. With the ceremony already underway, fans and pundits alike await the moment when the winners are announced and the trophy is handed over to the new champions.