India, Sept. 8 -- The Ballon d'Or remains football's most prestigious individual prize, recognising the players who have produced the finest campaign in world soccer. The 2026 edition is particularly significant. It marks the Ballon d'Or's 70th anniversary and will take place in London on October 26, honouring inaugural winner Sir Stanley Matthews.

The 2026 awards assess performances from the 2025/26 season, including the FIFA World Cup. An international jury of journalists decides the winners. The men's panel features one representative from each of the top 100 nations in the FIFA men's ranking, while the women's vote involves the top 50 nations.

Each journalist ranks 10 players, with points awarded from 15 for first place to one for 1...