French football legend Thierry Henry will co-host the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Henry will co-host the ceremeony alongside renowned sports presenter and three-time Ballon d'Or presenter, Kate Scott.
Henry never won the Ballon d'Or during his highly successful football career. He was nominated nine times -- finishing on the podium twice and coming closest in 2003 when he finished second to Pavel Nedvěd.
For the first time, the iconic ceremony will be taking place in London at the London Palladium Theatre on Oct. 26 at 8 p.m GMT.
How is the Ballon d'Or awarded?
The Ballon d'Or is awarded to the player who receives the most points from an international jury of journalists. They vote on 10 players from the 30-person shortlist based primarily on individual performance, team titles, and fair play throughout the season.
Which awards will be presented at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony?
The Men's and Women's Ballon d'Or
The Men's and Women's Young Talent of the Year
The Men's and Women's Goalkeeper of the Year
The Men's and Women's Coach of the Year
The Men's and Women's Club of the Year
The Men's and Women's Striker of the Year
Sócrates Award, presented by L'Équipe and Peace and Sport for solidarity initiatives and societal causes supported by a committed champion.
Who are the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or awards?
Men's Ballon d'Or 2026 nominees:
Marc Cucurella (Spain, Chelsea/Real Madrid)
Ousmane Dembélé (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
Luis Díaz (Colombia, Bayern München)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain)
Harry Kane (England, Bayern München)
(Georgia, Paris Saint-Germain)
Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
Sadio Mané (Senegal, Al-Nassr)
Marquinhos (Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain)
Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter)
Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
Nuno Mendes (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami)
João Neves (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
Michael Olise (France, Bayern München)
Willian Pacho (Ecuador, Paris Saint-Germain)
Julián Quiñones (Mexico, Al-Qadsiah)
Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)
Rodri (Spain, Manchester City/Barcelona)
Fabián Ruiz (Spain, Paris Saint-Germain)
William Saliba (France, Arsenal)
Ferran Torres (Spain, Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain)
Dayot Upamecano (France, Bayern München)
Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)
Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Who most deserves the Ballon d'Or Fémenin? Whittling down the 30-player short list
- Barcelona's Yamal vs. Real Madrid's Mbappé: Which Clásico star has stronger Ballon d'Or claim?
Women's Ballon d'Or 2026 nominees:
Klara Bühl (Germany, Bayern München)
Scarlett Camberos (Mexico, Club América)
Kerstin Casparij (Netherlands, Manchester City)
Cata Coll (Spain, Barcelona)
Melchie Dumornay (Haiti, OL Lyonnes)
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)
Alex Greenwood (England, Manchester City)
Patri Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)
Pernille Harder (Denmark, Bayern München)
Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)
Mapi León (Spain, Barcelona/London City Lionesses)
Melvine Malard (France, Manchester United/Chelsea)
Manaka Matsukubo (Japan, North Carolina Courage/Chelsea)
Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands, Manchester City)
Clàudia Pina (Spain, Barcelona)
Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona/London City Lionesses)
Wendie Renard (France, OL Lyonnes)
Alessia Russo (England, Arsenal)
Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)
Momoko Tanikawa (Japan, Bayern München)
Caroline Weir (Scotland, Real Madrid/OL Lyonnes)
Tessa Wullaert (Belgium, Inter/Como)
There are three former winners among the shortlisted men's players, record eight-time winner Lionel Messi, 2024 winner Rodri and current holder Ousmane Dembélé. Alexia Putellas is the only former winner on the women's shortlist, winning in both 2021 and 2022.
