The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be presented by former Arsenal forward [Thierry Henry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thierry_Henry) alongside British broadcaster Kate Scott on Monday, 26 October, at the historic [London Palladium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Palladium,_London). The event celebrates the 70th edition of the prestigious award and will bring together the sport’s most prominent figures.
**Key details of the announcement**
- Henry, a 1998 World Cup winner and 2009 Champions League champion, finished runner‑up in the Ballon d’Or voting in 2003 and earned nine nominations during his playing career.
- Kate Scott regularly collaborates with Henry on [CBS Sports](https://www.cbssports.com) Champions League coverage, appearing on the network’s Golazo programme.
- Henry said, “London is the city I call home, and I have a deep connection to its football culture and the passionate fans here, so to be hosting here alongside my friend and colleague Kate feels like a natural fit.”
Who will host the ceremony?
The pairing of Henry and Scott combines a celebrated former player with a seasoned journalist who already works together on international football broadcasts. Their joint presence is expected to add both expertise and charisma to the evening’s proceedings.
What does the men’s shortlist include?
The men’s ballot features the defending champion Ousmane Dembélé, eight‑time winner [Lionel Messi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi), and 2024 winner Rodri. Other notable nominees are Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, and Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Gabriel, and William Saliba. The full list also names Jude Bellingham, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Sadio Mané, Marquinhos, Lautaro Martínez, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Michael Olise, Willian Pacho, Julián Quiñones, Fabián Ruiz, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano, Vinícius Júnior and Vitinha.
Who are the women’s nominees?
Two‑time winner Alexia Putellas is the sole former champion on the women’s shortlist. Arsenal forwards Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo also appear, alongside Barcelona stars Caroline Graham Hansen, Ewa Pajor and Clàudia Pina. Additional nominees include Selma Bacha, Barbra Banda, Klara Bühl, Esmee Brugts, Scarlett Camberos, Kerstin Casparij, Temwa Chawinga, Cata Coll, Melchie Dumornay, Alex Greenwood, Patri Guijarro, Pernille Harder, Yui Hasegawa, Rose Lavelle, Mapi León, Lorena, Melvine Malard, Manaka Matsukubo, Vivianne Miedema, Wendie Renard, Khadija Shaw, Momoko Tanikawa, Caroline Weir and Tessa Wullaert.
How will the ceremony be presented?
The event will be broadcast globally, with Henry and Scott guiding the audience through the awards, performances and tributes. Their familiarity from CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage is expected to ensure a smooth and engaging presentation.
The 2026 ceremony not only honours individual excellence but also reflects football’s evolving global reach, with nominees representing clubs from across Europe, South America and Africa. As the award reaches its seventh decade, the London venue underscores the sport’s deep ties to the city’s passionate fan base.