Football's most prestigious individual honours return this week as the 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or takes centre stage. The ceremony, which celebrates the finest performers in the men's and women's game, is set to be hosted at the London Palladium in England on Monday, October 26.
For fans tuning in from India, the event will be accessible through global streaming platforms. While there is no dedicated linear television broadcaster confirmed for the Indian market, viewers can access the proceedings via DAZN, which has committed to providing free global coverage across 200 markets. The red carpet festivities are scheduled to commence at 10:30 PM IST, with the main awards ceremony following at 1:30 AM IST on Tuesday, October 27.
Ceremony Details and Award Categories
This year’s milestone 70th anniversary event will recognise excellence across a wide spectrum of footballing roles. Beyond the primary men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or trophies, the gala will honour the top goalkeepers, coaches, clubs, and strikers in both categories. Additionally, the ceremony will feature the presentation of the Sócrates Award, which acknowledges players for their contributions to social causes and solidarity initiatives.
The list of nominees features a host of global stars. The men's shortlist includes Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lamine Yamal, Sadio Mané, Marquinhos, Lautaro Martínez, Kylian Mbappé, Nuno Mendes, Lionel Messi, João Neves, Michael Olise, Willian Pacho, Julián Quiñones, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, William Saliba, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano, Vinícius Jr., and Vitinha.
The women's category is equally competitive, featuring nominees such as Selma Bacha, Barbra Banda, Klara Bühl, Esmee Brugts, Mariona Caldentey, Scarlett Camberos, Kerstin Casparij, Temwa Chawinga, Cata Coll, Melchie Dumornay, Caroline Graham Hansen, Alex Greenwood, Patri Guijarro, Pernille Harder, Yui Hasegawa, Rose Lavelle, Mapi León, Lorena, Melvine Malard, Manaka Matsukubo, Vivianne Miedema, Ewa Pajor, Claudia Pina, Alexia Putellas, Wendie Renard, Alessia Russo, Khadija Shaw, Momoko Tanikawa, Caroline Weir, and Tessa Wullaert.
