Ballon d’Or 2026 kept under wraps as Barcelona and Real Madrid share London hotel

The identity of the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner remained secret until the final moments of the ceremony, with no leaks or reliable predictions emerging before the event in London.

That marked a contrast with some previous editions, including 2024, when the voting outcome became the subject of widespread debate. Although voting closed one month before the ceremony, no clear indication of the winner appeared.

The mystery deepened when the start of the event was delayed by 70 minutes. The 30-player shortlist featured strong competition, with Ousmane Dembele, Rodri, Marc Cucurella, Gabriel Magalhaes, Yan Diomande, Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, Bukayo Saka, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane among the leading contenders for the top three positions.

The ceremony also provided a celebration of Spanish football. Spain goalkeepers Unai Simon, David Raya and Joan Garcia attended as Simon, the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper, was crowned with the award.

In another notable development, Barcelona and Real Madrid delegations stayed at the same hotel during their time in London, according to Spanish newspaper AS. The two groups were in surroundings far removed from the usual rivalry between the clubs.

Barcelona’s delegation was larger after the club collected awards in the women’s categories, while Lamine Yamal also won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player.

The schedule listed alongside the event included Barcelona in La Liga on 31 October 2026, against Deportivo Alaves. Racing Santander were also listed in La Liga on 1 November 2026, with Real Madrid included in the same fixture listing.

From private ceremony to global sporting event

The Ballon d’Or has developed significantly over the years. It was once a relatively small presentation held inside the offices of France Football magazine or at the winning player’s stadium, as happened when Luis Figo received the award in 2001.

It has since become a global event attracting major attention from supporters and the media. The prize now carries sporting, social and commercial significance, with the red carpet and appearances by leading figures from the game forming an important part of the occasion.

The London ceremony reflected that transformation, bringing together a selection of current and former football stars and strengthening the Ballon d’Or’s position among the world’s most prominent sporting awards.