Historic Ballon d'Or decision made with Arsenal star among contenders | OneFootball

England duo lead candidates for football’s top individual honour

This year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony will not take place in France, in a shock decision made by organisers France Football.

Instead, the ceremony will be held in London, on Saturday, October 26, in what could be make for a historic evening for England stars that lead the main contenders for the prize.

The Ballon d’Or recognises the best men’s player in the world every year, as voted on by journalists and former award winners.

Last year, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele was named the best player on the planet after a sparkling campaign that saw Paris claim a maiden Champions League title.

In contention: Declan Rice

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Now, however, there are two Englishmen amongst the bookies’ favourites to win the top honour, with Harry Kane and Declan Rice rivalled by former Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise, who joined Kane at Bayern Munich last summer, as well as Dembele.

It would signal a remarkable achievement for English football for Kane or Rice - or even London-born Olise - to be crowned the best men’s player for 2026 in the capital.

It will be the first time that the prize has been awarded outside of France since the honour’s inception in 1956.

The reason why it has moved out of France is to commemorate the Ballon d’Or’s 70th anniversary, and to honour its first ever recipient, Sir Stanley Matthews.

The exact location is yet to be confirmed by France Football, but is likely to be announced soon.