Soccer fans wait all year for one special night. It’s the night the world finds out who is the best player on the planet. That night is the Ballon d’Or ceremony, and if you’ve been searching for the exact Ballon d’Or ceremony time, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find the full schedule, venue details, and simple steps to watch the show, no matter where you live.
What Is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or (translated for you as Golden Ball) is the most prestigious individual award in soccer. It has been awarded since 1956. The winners are decided by votes from players, coaches and journalists. The winner is considered the best footballer of the year. It is a very big deal and can be likened to the Oscars but for soccer.
When Does the Ballon d’Or Ceremony Happen?
2026 Ballon d’Or winners were crowned in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the award. The Ballon d’Or is awarded by France Football and celebrates the world’s best footballers during the 2025/26 season (August-July). The awards took place on Monday 26th October 2026, and for the first time ever, were held outside of France. The awards were held at the London Palladium Theatre, London, England.
This was a significant milestone for the Ballon d’Or. London was chosen to honour Sir Stanley Matthews, the first recipient of the men’s Ballon d’Or in 1956.
What Was the Exact Ballon d’Or Ceremony Time?
Here’s the simple breakdown of the Ballon d’Or ceremony time across major regions:
| Region | Start Time |
| UK (GMT) | 8:00 p.m. |
| Central Europe (CET) | 9:00 p.m. |
| US Eastern Time | 4:00 p.m. |
| US Central Time | 3:00 p.m. |
| US Mountain Time | 2:00 p.m. |
| US Pacific Time | 1:00 p.m. |
The ceremony was set to start at 20:00 GMT / 21:00 CET, though live coverage noted a short delay on the night because of traffic and weather in London. The main award, the men’s Ballon d’Or, was handed out a bit later in the show, once the smaller awards were finished.
Order of the Awards
Big award shows build up excitement by saving the main prize for last. On the night, smaller trophies like the Kopa Trophy (best young player), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), and Gerd Muller Trophy (best striker) were given out first. The two headline awards, the Ballon d’Or Feminin and the men’s Ballon d’Or, were announced closer to the end of the show.
Who Won the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the men’s 2026 Ballon d’Or after finishing top of the pile in a tight race between him, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. The 25-year-old becomes the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen won it in 2001. He scored an incredible 73 goals across club and country during the season as he helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in 65 games.
The Ballon d’Or Feminin was awarded to Alexia Putellas of Barcelona Femeni and Spain.
Who Hosted the Ceremony?
Football legend Thierry Henry and sports presenter Kate Scott hosted the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The two have become familiar faces for Ballon d’Or night, guiding fans through the red carpet, the award presentations, and the backstage reactions.
Where to Watch the Ballon d’Or
The ceremony was streamed live and free worldwide on DAZN. Here’s how it usually works each year:
- Create a free DAZN account using just your email address.
- Log in on the DAZN app, website, or smart TV app.
- Tune in a little before the scheduled start time to catch the red carpet arrivals.
- Stay through the full show if you want to see every award, not just the big one.
Sports news sites and YouTube also often carry highlight clips and recap videos shortly after the event ends, in case you only want the key moments.
Why the Ballon d’Or Ceremony Matters
Not only is this an award but an event that brings the soccer community together. Winning this award can be a huge moment in a player’s career. It also provides fans with an opportunity to see their favourite stars in all their glory whilst they dress up and swap their jerseys for suits.
Quick Recap: Ballon d’Or Ceremony Time and Facts
- Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
- Venue: London Palladium, London, England
- Start Time: 8:00 p.m. GMT / 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
- Hosts: Thierry Henry and Kate Scott
- Men’s Winner: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Women’s Winner: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona Femeni, Spain)
- Where to Watch: DAZN (free worldwide stream)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What time did the Ballon d’Or ceremony start in the US?
The ceremony began at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 3:00 p.m. Central, 2:00 p.m. Mountain, and 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
2. Where was the 2026 Ballon d’Or held?
It was held at the London Palladium Theatre in London, England, the first time the ceremony took place outside of France.
3. Who won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or in 2026?
Harry Kane won the men’s award, and Alexia Putellas won the women’s award.
4. Is the Ballon d’Or ceremony free to watch?
Yes, it streamed live and free on DAZN, with just a quick sign-up required.
5. Why was the 2026 ceremony special?
It marked the award’s 70th anniversary and was the first ceremony ever held outside France, chosen to honor the award’s first-ever winner, Sir Stanley Matthews.
