| Event Summary | |
| Event | Ballon d’Or |
| Date | Monday, October 26, 2026 |
| Time | 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT |
| TV Channels | – |
| Live Stream | DANZ USA |
How to watch the 2026 Ballon d’Or in the USA
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony can be watched live in the USA on DAZN, which is the official global broadcast partner for territories not covered by a separate local rights holder.
Can I watch the 2026 Ballon d’Or for free?
The official Ballon d’Or website says the ceremony is available for free on DAZN in most countries after a simple sign-up, while the site confirms that selected live events can be watched without a paid subscription.
Who are the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
| Player | Nationality | Club |
| Jude Bellingham | England | Real Madrid |
| Pau Cubarsi | Spain | Barcelona |
| Marc Cucurella | Spain | Chelsea/Real Madrid |
| Ousmane Dembele | France | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Luis Diaz | Colombia | Bayern Munich |
| Bruno Fernandes | Portugal | Manchester United |
| Gabriel | Brazil | Arsenal |
| Erling Haaland | Norway | Manchester City |
| Achraf Hakimi | Morocco | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Harry Kane | England | Bayern Munich |
| Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Georgia | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Lamine Yamal | Spain | Barcelona |
| Sadio Mane | Senegal | Al-Nassr |
| Marquinhos | Brazil | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Lautaro Martinez | Argentina | Inter Milan |
| Kylian Mbappe | France | Real Madrid |
| Nuno Mendes | Portugal | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | Inter Miami |
| Joao Neves | Portugal | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Michael Olise | France | Bayern Munich |
| Willian Pacho | Ecuador | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Julian Quinones | Mexico | Al-Qadsiah |
| Declan Rice | England | Arsenal |
| Rodri | Spain | Manchester City/Barcelona |
| Fabian Ruiz | Spain | Paris Saint-Germain |
| William Saliba | France | Arsenal |
| Ferran Torres | Spain | Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain |
| Dayot Upamecano | France | Bayern Munich |
| Vinicius Junior | Brazil | Real Madrid |
| Vitinha | Portugal | Paris Saint-Germain |
Who are the favorites to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal are the leading favorites to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while Lionel Messi remains a long-shot contender. The winner will be announced at the ceremony in London on October 26.
Kane has built a strong case after a prolific season with Bayern Munich, scoring 61 goals for the club during the 2025–26 campaign and helping the German side win the Bundesliga and German Cup. He is looking to become the first English player to claim the award since Michael Owen in 2001.
Mbappe has emerged as Kane’s closest challenger after a late surge in the betting market, while Yamal remains in contention following an impressive season with Barcelona and Spain. He is attempting to become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history at 19.
Messi is also among the 30 nominees, and the Argentine star is pursuing a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or. However, bookmakers place him well behind the leading trio, making him an outsider rather than a favorite.
Who holds the record for most Ballon d’Or wins?
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or wins, with eight trophies. The Argentine won the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023, giving him three more victories than second-place CR7.
Leo Messi of Barcelona displays his four ballon d’or in 2013 (Source: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
His eight victories are a record for the men’s Ballon d’Or. His closest rival is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten are tied with three wins each.
His most recent Ballon d’Or came in 2023, when he won after leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title. He is one of only three former men’s winners included among this year’s nominees, alongside Dembele and Rodri.
How many awards will be given at the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
There will be 13 awards presented at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Twelve are divided equally between men’s and women’s soccer, while the Socrates Award is a single honor recognizing solidarity initiatives and societal causes.
The 13 categories are:
- Men’s Ballon d’Or
- Women’s Ballon d’Or
- Men’s Young Talent of the Year
- Women’s Young Talent of the Year
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Men’s Coach of the Year
- Women’s Coach of the Year
- Men’s Club of the Year
- Women’s Club of the Year
- Men’s Striker of the Year
- Women’s Striker of the Year
- Socrates Award
The expanded 2026 program therefore includes the new Striker of the Year honors alongside the Ballon d’Or, young-player, goalkeeper, coach and club awards. UEFA lists all 13 categories for this year’s ceremony.
What time is the 2026 Ballon d’Or match?
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony starts at 4:00 PM ET on Monday, October 26, from the London Palladium in London. The official ceremony is scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT and is expected to run until approximately 10:00 PM GMT.
- Eastern Time: 4:00 PM
- Central Time: 3:00 PM
- Mountain Time: 3:00 PM
- Pacific Time: 1:00 PM
