A major shake-up is coming in the history of the Ballon d’Or. After several editions held in Paris, the prestigious ceremony will leave the French capital in 2026 and move to London.
The Ballon d’Or is on the move, and the decision is already generating plenty of discussion. This special edition will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the award created by Gabriel Hanot. Organizers want to honor the roots of the Ballon d’Or and its very first winner, English football icon Sir Stanley Matthews.
A Symbolic Return to England
The legendary Blackpool winger won the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 1956 at the age of 41. He remains one of the most respected figures in English football history, admired for both his talent and his remarkable sportsmanship and professionalism.
Since 2019, the ceremony has been hosted at the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Before that, several iconic locations in the French capital welcomed the event, including the Grand Palais and even the Eiffel Tower.
This year, however, organizers are aiming for a symbolic return to England, widely regarded as the birthplace of modern football. It is a decision steeped in history and one that is certain to spark debate, especially as Paris had become the home of the Ballon d’Or in recent years.
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