London to host Ballon d'Or for first time as award marks 70th anniversary

LONDON: This year’s Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will be held in ​London for the first time on ‌October 26, organisers said on Thursday, as the prestigious prize celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Created ​by France Football magazine in ​1956, the Ballon d’Or is regarded ⁠as the most coveted individual award ​in world football.

The decision to stage ​the 70th edition in London was to pay tribute to England great Stanley Matthews, who ​became the award’s first winner seven ​decades ago, Europe’s football governing body UEFA said.

“By ‌staging ⁠its 70th edition in the capital of England and the United Kingdom, the Ballon d’Or continues its expansion ​and further ​strengthens its ⁠status as a globally prestigious brand,” added UEFA.

The precise ​venue for the ceremony, which ​traditionally ⁠takes place in Paris, is yet to be announced.

Paris St Germain winger Ousmane ⁠Dembele ​and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati ​were the men’s and women’s winners in 2025.