A Milestone Relocation
The 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or will break with its Parisian tradition and take place in London on October 26. The ceremony is being co‑produced by France Football magazine and UEFA, marking a symbolic shift toward the city that has recently celebrated both Harry Kane’s record‑breaking season and Arsenal’s first Premier League triumph in 22 years.
London’s selection reflects its status as a global cultural and sporting hub. The capital’s dynamic atmosphere will gather journalists, former champions and football enthusiasts to honor the year’s most outstanding performers on the world stage.
Star‑Studded Contenders
In the men’s category, Ousmane Dembélé, who secured the award last year after guiding Paris Saint‑Germain to a Champions League victory, returns to the conversation after a season that yielded 19 goals in 39 appearances and seven strikes in the competition’s elite arena.
Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning women’s champion, has claimed three consecutive Ballon d’Or titles. Despite missing much of the campaign through injury, her comeback helped Barcelona achieve a historic quadruple, reinforcing her standing among voters.
The finalists are drawn from a shortlist of 30 players evaluated by a global panel of journalists, who then rank their top ten. This process ensures that the award reflects a broad, informed perspective across continents and leagues.