2026 will mark the 70th edition of the prestigious Ballon d'Or award ceremony and this year's competition is wide open.
Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele won the Ballon d'Or in 2025 following an exceptional season where he contributed 35 goals and 16 assists as Luis Enrique's Parisians completed the Treble by claiming their first UEFA Champions League crown.
While Dembele was the market leader in the months leading up to the 2025 Ballon d'Or, this year's award is seemingly much tougher to call with several names in contention for the coveted prize.
Harry Kane is vying for his first Ballon d'Or following a spectacular individual campaign for club and country. The Englishman 61 goals in 51 appearances last season for Bayern Munich, won three trophies with the Bavarians, finished third at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and claimed the European Golden Shoe.
Lamine Yamal is another contender after the precocious winger starred in Barcelona's second consecutive La Liga triumph before helping Spain to achieve World Cup glory in North America in the summer.
Despite his lofty status, Kylian Mbappe is yet to win football's most prestigious individual award, but the France talisman will be hoping his Golden Boot achievements at the World Cup will sway the judging panel in his favour.
World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri and UEFA Champions League player of the season Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are also in the frame for what promises to be a fascinating award ceremony.
But when is the Ballon d'Or winner announced? Find out below.
When is the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony?
The winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or will be announced at the award ceremony on Monday 26th October.
The event will be staged at the London Palladium Theatre in England for the very first time.
Other awards announced at the ceremony include the women's Ballon d'Or, coach of the year and young talent of the year.
