A first for the London Palladium
The Ballon d’Or has changed venue. The ceremony takes place on Monday night at the London Palladium, a West End theatre of similar size to the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, which hosted it for six editions. Kick-off is 9pm French time. France Football and UEFA run the event.
Since the trophy became a gala night, the only time it left Paris was Zurich, between 2010 and 2015, during the partnership with FIFA.
no renewal
Free for 2 weeks.
A decision made over a year ago
According to L’Équipe, the move has nothing to do with the recent social unrest in Paris, nor with a possible Harry Kane win. The call was made more than a year ago.
The main reason is the trophy’s 70th anniversary. London allows a tribute to its first winner, Stanley Matthews. The Blackpool winger took it in 1956 at 41 and is still the oldest winner ever. Leaving Paris also helps make the award more international. Whether the gala keeps travelling or returns to France afterwards has not been decided.
Kane adds the symbolism
The setting could produce a striking picture. London-born Harry Kane is among the favourites after his season at Bayern Munich. He faces Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and defending champion Ousmane Dembélé. If he wins, he becomes the first Englishman honoured since Michael Owen in 2001.
Catch up on the rest of our football coverage on MathODDS!
in your pocket.
Real-time notifications & alerts
Leave a Reply