Thierry Henry to present the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony

Thierry Henry will take charge of the Ballon d’Or ceremony for the first time, adding a new role to his work as a football analyst. The former France and Arsenal striker will host the event in London alongside British presenter Kate Scott.

The ceremony will be held on Monday, 26 October, at the London Palladium and will mark the 70th edition of the individual award. Scott will be returning for her fourth presentation after working on the 2014, 2015 and 2025 ceremonies. Henry and Scott also appear together on CBS Sports during Champions League evenings.

Henry replaces the previous hosts Didier Drogba and Ruud Gullit, with Gullit having shared the stage with Scott at last year’s ceremony. The choice gives the event a presenter with a strong connection to London, where Henry established himself as one of Arsenal’s leading players.

The ceremony will recognise the standout individual performances of the season. Ousmane Dembélé is the reigning men’s Ballon d’Or winner, while Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane are among the names linked to the 2026 award. Henry’s appointment places a prominent former player at the centre of the presentation as the next winner is decided.