Ballon d'Or 2026 to Be Held in London, Marking 70 Years of the Global Football Award
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- Upacara Ballon d'Or 2026 akan berlangsung di London Palladium Theatre pada 26 Oktober 2026, meninggalkan tradisi Paris.
- Perpindahan lokasi ini untuk memperingati 70 tahun sejak penghargaan pertama kali diberikan pada 1956.
- Daftar 30 nominasi putra telah diumumkan, namun belum ada nama yang dipastikan sebagai pemenang.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or will make history with its award ceremony held in London, England, rather than in Paris as usual. The main event is scheduled for Tuesday, 26 October 2026, early morning WIB, and marks 70 years of the most prestigious individual trophy in world football.
Since its introduction in 1956, the Ballon d'Or has been almost always associated with France. Since 2019, the Theatre du Châtelet in the heart of Paris has been the ceremony's regular venue. However, for this edition, the organizers have chosen the London Palladium Theatre as the venue. The decision is seen as a major change in the history of an award that has produced many world football legends.
The choice of London is not without reason. The city has a long tradition as a football center, with several major clubs and iconic stadiums. In addition, London is considered capable of offering a different and more global atmosphere, in line with the Ballon d'Or's position as an event that celebrates the achievements of players from around the world.
Nevertheless, the list of 30 nominees for the men's award has been released. The names reflect impressive performances throughout the season, both at club and national team level. However, so far there is no strong indication of who will take home the trophy, given that the competition is still ongoing and the judging is carried out by a panel of international journalists.
"The move to London is a form of respect for the long history of the Ballon d'Or, as well as an effort to expand the reach of this award to a wider public," said a source at the French football federation, as quoted by local media.
For Indonesian football, this moment can serve as a reminder of the importance of individual recognition on the global stage. Although no Indonesian player has been nominated, achievements at the Southeast Asian level at least show that local talent can compete if supported by a consistent development system. Events like the Ballon d'Or also motivate the younger generation to keep achieving.
With changing locations and an evolving format, the 2026 Ballon d'Or is not only an award event but also a reflection of the dynamics of modern football, which is increasingly open. The question is, will London witness the birth of a new legend, or will it instead become the stage for established players to assert their dominance?
