Sports
2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony delayed 30 minutes by crowds outside London's Palladium
October 26, 2026 at 08:59 PM
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London began 30 minutes late Monday after heavy crowds and traffic delayed guests' arrival at the Palladium theatre.
- The ceremony was postponed from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. GMT because large crowds blocked access to the red carpet, delaying guests and delegations.
- England's Harry Kane, France's Kylian Mbappé and Spain's Lamine Yamal are the leading candidates for the men's award, contested by 30 players.
- Organizers said the men's winner will be announced at approximately 10 p.m. GMT, with the event hosted by Kate Scott and Thierry Henry.
- France Football published final rankings, placing Jude Bellingham 11th and Vinícius Júnior 17th in the men's vote.