Organisers of the 2026 Ballon d’Or have officially confirmed that Moroccan-American rapper French Montana will perform at this year’s ceremony. The announcement, shared widely on social media including by accounts like CentreGoals, will pair him with British singer Jorja Smith for the musical entertainment at the 70th edition of football’s most prestigious individual awards. The ceremony will take place on Monday 26th October at the London Palladium, marking the first time the event has been held outside France.
It moved to London as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the inaugural winner in 1956. French Montana, known for outstanding songs such as “Unforgettable” with Swae Lee and collaborations with Drake, brings a high-energy hip-hop presence that organisers hope will lift the atmosphere. Jorja Smith is expected to open the evening with material from her soulful catalogue.
Harry Kane leads Ballon d’Or Race for 2026
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for Monday 26 October at the London Palladium, starting at 8pm GMT. It is the first edition staged outside France, chosen to honour the award’s 70th anniversary and its first winner, England’s Stanley Matthews.
The night will be hosted by Thierry Henry and Kate Scott, with the formal proceedings beginning at 20:00 GMT after the red-carpet arrivals. Coverage is available on DAZN and L’Equipe in France. Beyond the main awards, organisers have teased additional surprises.
For a night that usually blends glamour with sporting recognition, the addition of two established music acts aims to broaden the appeal and keep the energy high as the football world gathers to crown its best.
Harry Kane is among the leading contenders, and in many rankings he is the favourite. The Bayern Munich and England striker had a remarkable 2025-26 season, scoring 73 goals across club and international football.
That campaign included a prolific Bundesliga campaign that helped Bayern to the domestic double, strong Champions League numbers, and key contributions as England finished third at the World Cup. At 33, Kane is chasing what would be a first Ballon d’Or and the first for an Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001.
