Quick Answer

The Ballon d'Or Gala Ceremony is the prestigious annual awards event hosted by France Football magazine in Paris, honoring the world's best footballers. The ceremony has been held at the Théâtre du Châtelet since 2019.

  • When: Annually in October (previously late November/December)
  • Where: Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France
  • Organizer: France Football magazine
  • Awards Presented: 7 major trophies, including Men's and Women's Ballon d'Or

Table of Contents

The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by France Football to the best male and female players in the world. The award was established in 1956 for men and in 2018 for women, and is currently presented to the winning players at an elaborate Ballon d'Or Gala Ceremony held in Paris, France in October each year.

History of the Gala Ceremony

The presentation of the award has evolved significantly over time, reflecting its growing prestige in world football. For much of its early history, the winner was announced via a press release or magazine publication, with informal presentations at various locations.

"The Ballon d'Or ceremony has transformed from a simple magazine announcement into one of football's most glamorous events, rivaling Hollywood award shows in its production value and star power."
— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports

In 2010, the Ballon d'Or merged with FIFA's World Player of the Year award, creating the FIFA Ballon d'Or. This partnership brought an elaborate gala ceremony to honor the winners, continuing the tradition of the FIFA World Player Gala which had been held previously. The gala event was held in Zürich from 2010 until 2015, conveniently located near FIFA headquarters.

After this collaboration ended in 2016, France Football reclaimed full ownership of the award. The 2016 winner was announced online, but from 2017 onwards, France Football established Paris as the permanent home of the ceremony, befitting the award's French origins.

💡 Pro Tip: The 2024 ceremony moved to late October rather than the traditional November/December slot, allowing voting to align better with the end of the European football season.

Current Gala Format

The modern Ballon d'Or Gala is a star-studded event featuring some of football's greatest legends, current superstars, and celebrities from around the world. The ceremony typically includes:

  • Red Carpet Arrival: Players and guests arrive for photographs and media interviews
  • Musical Performances: Live entertainment between award presentations
  • Video Tributes: Montages celebrating nominees' achievements
  • Award Presentations: Seven major trophies presented throughout the evening
  • Winner Speeches: Acceptance speeches from each category winner
"The Théâtre du Châtelet provides a perfect blend of historical grandeur and intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to feel the significance of football's highest individual honor."
— According to sports science expert Robert Wood

Today, the gala is not just about celebrating the best male and female players—it has expanded to recognize excellence across multiple categories, from young emerging talents to outstanding goalkeepers and coaches.

Awards Presented at the Gala Ceremony

The Ballon d'Or ceremony now features seven major awards, each recognizing different aspects of football excellence:

Ceremony Venues and Hosts

The table below shows the complete history of Ballon d'Or ceremonies since they became formal gala events, including venues and hosts.

Award Year Date Location Hosts
2025 22 Sept, 2025 Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France Ruud Gullit / Kate Scott
2024 28 Oct, 2024 Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France Sandy Heribert / Didier Drogba
2023 30 Oct, 2023 Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France Sandy Heribert / Didier Drogba
2022 17 Oct, 2022 Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France Sandy Heribert / Didier Drogba
2021 29 Nov, 2021 Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France Sandy Heribert / Didier Drogba
2020 — No award (COVID-19 pandemic) —
2019 2 Dec, 2019 Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France Sandy Heribert / Didier Drogba
2018 3 Dec, 2018 Grand Palais, Paris, France —
2017 7 Dec, 2017 Eiffel Tower, Paris, France Idris Elba
2016 12 Dec, 2016 Winner announced online —
2015 11 Jan, 2016 Kongresshaus, Zürich, Switzerland Kate Abdo / James Nesbitt
2014 12 Jan, 2015 Kongresshaus, Zürich, Switzerland Kate Abdo
2013 13 Jan, 2014 Kongresshaus, Zürich, Switzerland Fernanda Lima / Ruud Gullit
2012 7 Jan, 2013 Kongresshaus, Zürich, Switzerland Ruud Gullit / Kay Murray
2011 9 Jan, 2012 Kongresshaus, Zürich, Switzerland Ruud Gullit / Kay Murray
2010 10 Jan, 2011 Zürich, Switzerland —
2009 1 Dec, 2009 Paris, France —
"The partnership between Didier Drogba and Sandy Heribert has brought a unique chemistry to the ceremony, combining Drogba's football credibility with professional broadcasting expertise."
— As Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports, notes