Ballon d'Or Voting Will Close September 28
The 70th anniversary ceremony will be held in London on October 26, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Soccer
Live Poll
Do you believe individual football awards accurately reflect a player's total contribution to their team?
Voting for the 2026 Ballon d'Or award will conclude on September 28. France Football and UEFA will announce the winners at the London Palladium Theatre on October 26.
Why it matters
The ceremony location pays tribute to the inaugural 1956 winner Stanley Matthews as the event recognizes top domestic and international performance. The award evaluates player achievement following the conclusion of the professional football season.
The men's shortlist features 30 candidates for the 70th anniversary award. Harry Kane enters consideration following a season total of 73 goals, while Lionel Messi holds the record with eight total career wins.
The players
Harry Kane
He is an elite striker who recorded 73 goals during the 2025/26 football season.
Lionel Messi
He is an Argentine football legend who currently holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or awards won.
Stanley Matthews
He was an English professional footballer who became the inaugural Ballon d'Or winner in 1956.
France Football
It is a French football magazine that serves as a co-organizer of the annual Ballon d'Or award.
UEFA
It is the administrative and governing body for football in Europe and has co-organized the award since 2024.
The details
Members of an international jury submit their selections from the 30-player shortlist to determine the year's top performer. The final results will be revealed during the ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre in late October.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: Voting for the Ballon d'Or closes.
October 26, 2026: Ballon d'Or winners are announced in London.
Season Trajectory
The 2026 selection process reflects the evolving international voting standards for the sport's highest individual honor. This year marks a significant milestone as the award celebrates its 70th anniversary since its inception.
Fans and analysts track the shortlist to project which performances during the 2025/26 season will earn the highest jury rankings. The final announcement on October 26 will confirm whether Harry Kane's goal-scoring record translates into a major trophy win.
The takeaway
The selection criteria emphasize consistency and high-level output across both club and international competitions throughout the season. Observers should track how the inclusion of UEFA as a co-organizer influences the final jury selections this year.
Further reading
For more information on major tournament outcomes and player awards, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Blueprint Newspapers Limited.
Live Poll
Do you believe individual football awards accurately reflect a player's total contribution to their team?
