Football stars of past and present will flock to the London Palladium tonight for the 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony.

The sport's most prestigious individual prize will be handed out to the top players in the men's and women's game over the 2025/26 season.

The award, which was founded by French sports newspaper L'Équipe in 1956, is based on votes by football journalists from around the world.

In honour of inaugural winner Stanley Matthews, London hosts the event for the first time and England captain Harry Kane is among those hoping to prize the Ballon d'Or from the hands of 2025 winner Ousmane Dembele.

The Ballon d’Or Féminin may well stay in the capital as London City Lionesses star Alexia Putellas is one of the frontrunners for her feats before leaving Barcelona.

The most glamorous night in the football calendar is upon us and UK fans can watch things unfold for free.

Radio Times has rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch the Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony.

When is the Ballon d'Or 2026?

The Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony will take place on Monday 26 October 2026.

It will begin at approximately 8pm UK time.

How to watch the Ballon d'Or 2026 on TV and live stream

The Ballon d'Or ceremony will be shown live for free on DAZN and on ballondor.com.

Viewers will need to sign up for a DAZN account but can watch or stream the ceremony without paying for a subscription.

Who will win the Ballon d'Or 2026?

Harry Kane is hoping to become just the fifth Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or, after scoring 61 times to help Bayern Munich to a domestic treble and leading his country to the World Cup final.

Kane's teammate Michael Olise is seen among his competition but the current favourite is Lamine Yamal – and for good reason. The teenager helped Barcelona win the LaLiga title before playing his part as Spain won the World Cup.

Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe are also contenders.

The race for women's award is just as tight. Midfielder Melchie Dumornay sparked as she helped Lyon to win the domestic treble, striker Ewa Pajor fired Barcelona to Spanish success and the Champions League title, while forward Bunny Shaw won a third consecutive Women's Super League golden boot as the spearhead of Man City's title charge.

Then there is Alexia Putellas, who was at her brilliant best in signing off on top at Barca before her move to the WSL.