Thierry Henry and Kate Scott will co-host the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in London on Monday, October 26. The pair will lead one of football’s biggest nights as the prestigious awards celebrate their 70th anniversary.
Henry, a former France international and Arsenal legend, is one of the most respected names in world football. His experience as a player and football pundit makes him a familiar face to fans across the world.
Scott, a well-known sports presenter, also brings valuable experience to the ceremony. Their appointment adds excitement to this year’s event, which will take place at the London Palladium Theatre in England.
Henry enjoyed a successful playing career with clubs including Arsenal and Barcelona. He also represented France, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000.
The former striker remains a popular figure in football because of his knowledge of the game and his work as a television analyst. His presence as co-host is expected to bring football insight and entertainment to the ceremony.
Scott is also an experienced presenter who has previously hosted the Ballon d’Or awards. Her return alongside Henry gives the event a combination of football knowledge and broadcasting experience.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in London for the first time. The event marks 70 years since France Football introduced the award in 1956.
The choice of London also pays tribute to Stanley Matthews, the English football legend who won the first Ballon d’Or.
The ceremony is organised by France Football in partnership with UEFA. It will recognise outstanding performances across men’s and women’s football during the 2025-26 season.
Football fans will be looking forward to the announcement of the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or winners. Other awards will recognise the best young players, goalkeepers, coaches, clubs and strikers.
The ceremony will also include the Sócrates Award, which recognises footballers involved in social causes and humanitarian work.
With Thierry Henry and Kate Scott set to lead the show, attention will turn to the nominees and the players who will take home the major prizes.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony promises to be a special night for football as the award celebrates seven decades of recognising the game’s finest talents.
