The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony was held at the London Palladium on October 26, 2026, marking a major milestone in the history of football. England captain Harry Kane and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas were among the biggest winners of the night. Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or after an impressive campaign for Bayern Munich and England, beating competition from Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal and France forward Kylian Mbappé.
Alexia Putellas secured her third women’s Ballon d’Or trophy, adding to her previous triumphs in 2021 and 2022. Her latest success further strengthens her standing among the most decorated players in the history of women’s football. Putellas’s achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. The ceremony recognized football’s leading players, coaches, and clubs for their achievements during the 2025-26 season.
The men’s Ballon d’Or was a closely contested award, with Kane edging out Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé to claim top honors. Kane also won the men’s striker award, solidifying his position as one of the best players in the world. The award ceremony was attended by several football personalities and dignitaries, who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the sport’s top performers.
Other major awards were handed out during the event, including the women’s striker award, which was won by Mexico international Charlyn Corral. The women’s club of the year award went to Barcelona, while Paris Saint-Germain won the men’s club of the year award. The Sócrates Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to football, was won by Bukayo Saka.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the award, which was first presented in 1956. The event was a celebration of football’s rich history and its top performers. The ceremony also recognized young talents in the sport, with Lamine Yamal winning the men’s young talent of the year award and Vicky López winning the women’s equivalent.
The women’s Ballon d’Or was one of the most anticipated awards of the night, with several top players in contention. Putellas’s win was a significant achievement for women’s football, highlighting the growing popularity and recognition of the sport. The award ceremony was a testament to the progress made by women’s football in recent years.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony was a star-studded event that brought together football’s top performers and personalities. The awards were presented to recognize outstanding achievements in the sport, and the ceremony was a celebration of football’s rich history and its top performers. The winners of the various awards were announced to a packed audience at the London Palladium.
Key points
- Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or award for his impressive campaign with Bayern Munich and England.
- Alexia Putellas secured her third women’s Ballon d’Or trophy, adding to her previous triumphs in 2021 and 2022.
- The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the award, which was first presented in 1956.