Lionel Messi is expected to play a special role at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony. As per reports from journalist Juan Jesus, the Argentine star will attend the event on 26 October and personally present
the golden trophy to this year’s winner. The ceremony marks the 70th edition of football’s most prestigious individual award. For the first time in its history, it will be held outside France, taking place at the London Palladium Theatre. Organisers chose this venue to honour Sir Stanley Matthews, the English player who won the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 1956.
🚨🚨| Lionel Messi will attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 26 and is set to PRESENT THE TROPHY to the winner.
[@Juanjesuscsap] https://t.co/DTYmz3Izxx
— Stake Football (@StakeFootball) October 12, 2026
Messi is an eight-time winner of the award, and remains one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history. At 39, he continues to compete at a high level with Inter Miami and recently completed his international career with Argentina. His presence on stage would create a powerful moment and link the past and present greats of the game. As per reports the former Argentina captain has been invited not only as a nominee but also to hand over the trophy. While France Football and UEFA have not yet issued an official confirmation, the reports have generated significant excitement among fans.
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Harry Kane’s 73-goal season puts him firmly in Ballon d’Or contention
Football’s biggest night is just two weeks away, and Harry Kane remains the firm contender to win the Ballon d’Or this season after his 74 goal season. For Bayern, he scored 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions including 36 in the Bundesliga, winning the Torjagerkanone for a third consecutive season, 14 in the Champions League, 10 in the DFB-Pokal and one in the Supercup. Those club figures, combined with his international tally, produced the 73-goal total that only Messi has surpassed in a single campaign. He also won the European Golden Shoe for the second time and was named Germany’s Footballer of the Year.
Apart from the goals, Kane has also won trophies. Bayern secured a domestic double with the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal, plus the Supercup. On the international front he captained England to a strong World Cup showing where they finished third and scored crucial goals along the way. At club level he has now scored nearly 150 goals in roughly the same number of games for Bayern since leaving Tottenham and these make him one of the favourites to win Ballon d’Or.
