Football stars and celebrities gather in London for 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony

OPA WIRE, Oct 27 (OPA) — The red carpet at the London Palladium hosted a mix of sporting icons and international celebrities on Monday evening for the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony. England captain Harry Kane, seeking to become the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001, arrived alongside teammates and staff from Bayern Munich. The event, often referred to as the Oscars of football, drew a diverse crowd including former players Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Ronaldo, who is scheduled to present the men's award.

Real Madrid’s delegation, led by forward Kylian Mbappe, marked a significant return to the event after the Spanish club boycotted the ceremony for the previous two years. The club’s absence followed the 2024 decision to award the trophy to Rodri over Vinicius Jr. This year, the competition remains intense, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal also considered a primary contender for the top honor alongside Kane and Mbappe.

Beyond the pitch, the ceremony attracted figures from the entertainment industry, including actress Sophie Turner and singer Jorja Smith. Presenter Kate Scott, who is co-hosting the evening with former professional Thierry Henry, was among the early arrivals. The guest list also featured figures such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan, UFC athlete Paddy Pimblett, and musician Burna Boy, reflecting the event's broad cultural reach.

As the ceremony commences, attention shifts to the final selection for both the men's and women's categories. Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw and Alexia Putellas are among the prominent names vying for the women's award. The evening concludes with the formal handover of the trophy, marking the end of the tenure for the previous year's winner, Ousmane Dembele.