Brief

Ballon d’Or ceremony moves to London Palladium in tribute to Stanley Matthews

The awards shift to England, with Matthews’ family attending and recalling his pioneering career.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 25 Oct 2026 15:07:18 GMT

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be staged on Monday at the London Palladium, a departure from its long‑standing home in Paris, the Guardian reported. The venue change is presented as a tribute to Stanley Matthews, the first active player to receive a knighthood in 1965.

What happened

The awards, traditionally held at the Palais des Sports in Paris, will take place at the historic London Palladium on 26 October. Organisers said the move recognises Matthews’ revolutionary influence on the game. Matthews’ son, Stanley Matthews Jr, and his sister Jean, along with Jean’s two daughters, will attend the ceremony.

What the reports add

The Guardian notes that the first Ballon d’Or was presented in Blackpool town hall 70 years ago, where a 41‑year‑old Matthews received the prize from L’Équipe editor Gabriel Hanot. A specially commissioned china plate was also handed over by the town’s mayor. By contrast, the 2026 ceremony will be a high‑profile gala at a major West End theatre, reflecting the event’s growth.

What was said

"He might have had a double carrot juice that day," Matthews Jr told the Guardian, recalling his father’s teetotal lifestyle. He added, "There was no ceremony. ‘Here’s your Ballon d’Or, well done’, sort of thing. But obviously it’s grown over the years, and now it’s a huge event. We’re very excited." The article also records Matthews Jr’s view that his father was "so far ahead of his time" because of his lightweight boots, training methods and pitch‑watering tactics.

How it came about

Matthews’ career began with Stoke City in 1932 and earned him the nickname "Wizard of Dribble". He retired at 50 after becoming the oldest Ballon d’Or winner and earning 54 England caps, the last of which came in 1957 at age 42. The Guardian links the venue shift to Matthews’ pioneering spirit, noting his early‑morning beach fitness routines and his influence on modern training and diet practices. Earlier Felo coverage of the Ballon d’Or highlighted Harry Kane’s goal‑scoring season and the award’s schedule, providing context for the ceremony’s timing.

Key facts

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held at London Palladium on 26 October. (theguardian.com)
The venue change honours Stanley Matthews, the first active player knighted in 1965. (theguardian.com)
Matthews’ son Stanley Jr, sister Jean and her two daughters will attend the ceremony. (theguardian.com)
Matthews received the first Ballon d’Or in Blackpool town hall in 1956 from Gabriel Hanot. (theguardian.com)
Matthews remains the oldest Ballon d’Or winner, earning his last England cap at age 42 in 1957. (theguardian.com)