Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inJamie BraidwoodMonday 26 October 2026 08:30 GMTCopa Independent | Kane v Yamal – and is the Ballon d'Or just a PR contest?The Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place in London on Monday 26 October from 8pm GMT.Harry Kane is the favourite to win, and a victory for the Bayern Munich striker would see him become the first English footballer to win the men's Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001.Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is the second favourite, with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi also among the contenders.Meanwhile, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was arguably the standout player in the men’s Champions League last season after inspiring back-to-back titles for Paris Saint-Germain.Viewers can watch the ceremony on the official website ballondor.com or DAZN, globally, with a free live stream available from both, while Independent Sport will bring you live coverage.In fullWhen is Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony? Date, contenders, odds and how to watch for freeMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in