The Ballon d'Or awards ceremony will relocate from Paris to London on October 26, marking the 70th anniversary of the inaugural award claimed by England legend Stanley Matthews. Co-organizers France Football magazine and UEFA confirmed the venue change celebrates this milestone while bringing the prestigious event to British soil for the first time.

Harry Kane anchors London's connection to this year's ceremony. The England record scorer netted 61 goals across 51 appearances for Bayern Munich this season, including 14 in Champions League competition. His club Arsenal captured their first Premier League title in 22 years and now faces PSG in Saturday's Champions League final, adding local flavor to the awards celebration.

Last year's men's winner Ousmane Dembélé scored 19 goals in 39 games for PSG this campaign, contributing seven in Champions League play. Women's favorite Aitana Bonmatí missed most of her season through injury but returned to help Barcelona secure a historic quadruple, including Saturday's Champions League triumph over OL Lyonnes.

A global panel of journalists will vote for the top 10 from a 30-player shortlist assembled by France Football, L'Equipe, and UEFA. The London ceremony represents a symbolic shift honoring Matthews' legacy while showcasing current stars competing at the highest level.