From Sportstar · Team Sportstar · · 1m 10s
Ballon d'Or 2026 in London, not Paris
Ballon d'Or 2026 moves from Paris to London for 70th anniversary.
In brief
Ballon d'Or 2026 moves from Paris to London for 70th anniversary. The 2026 Ballon d'Or Awards will be held in London instead of Paris to commemorate Sir Stanley Matthews' 1956 win. Originally reported by Sportstar.
2026 Ballon d'Or venue shift
The 2026 Ballon d'Or Award Ceremony moves from Paris to London.
Traditional Paris home
The event has been held in Paris since 2019 at the Théâtre du Châtelet.
2025 winners
Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí won the men’s and women’s best player awards in 2025.
70th anniversary
The 2026 ceremony marks the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or Awards.
1956 winner
Sir Stanley Matthews won the Ballon d'Or Men’s Player of the Year in 1956.
Matthews' career
Matthews played for Blackpool and Stoke and made 54 appearances for England.
Matthews' retirement
Matthews retired at 50, saying he should have continued for another year or two.
London commemoration
The 2026 ceremony will be held in London to honor Matthews' 1956 win.
The bottom line
The 2026 Ballon d'Or Awards will be held in London instead of Paris to commemorate Sir Stanley Matthews' 1956 win.
