Louis Vuitton Brings Luxury Craftsmanship To Football’s Biggest Night, Ballon d’Or 2026

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony delivered a historic evening for football, fashion and culture, bringing the sport’s leading players, managers and familiar faces to London’s Palladium on Monday 26 October. For the first time in its history, the ceremony left Paris for the British capital, with the move paying tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the inaugural winner of the award in 1956. The night’s biggest moment belonged to Harry Kane, who became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, following Michael Owen’s victory in 2001. The Bayern Munich and England striker’s extraordinary season, which included 73 goals for club and country, helped him finish ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. Kane’s victory was particularly significant on home soil, turning the anniversary ceremony into a celebration of English football history as well as individual excellence.

Spain international Alexia Putellas claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or for a third time, adding another milestone to a career defined by consistency and silverware. The midfielder had enjoyed a trophy laden spell with Barcelona before joining London City Lionesses in 2025, making the London setting an especially fitting backdrop to her latest achievement.

Elsewhere, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the men’s young player award, while Vicky López collected the women’s equivalent. Unai Simón and Cata Coll were recognised as the leading goalkeepers in the men’s and women’s games, while Luis de la Fuente and Pere Romeu received the coaching honours. Paris Saint-Germain took the men’s club award and Barcelona won the women’s, while Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work while wearing a double-breasted suit by Wales Bonner from their Spring Summer 2027 collection, cut from Midnight virgin wool crepe.

Louis Vuitton’s involvement gave the evening a distinct luxury dimension. The French fashion house served as the official trophy trunk partner, continuing its collaboration with the Ballon d’Or and its organisers by creating bespoke cases for the coveted awards. The trunks draw on the Maison’s heritage in travel and craftsmanship, with its signature Monogram canvas and gold detailing giving the trophies a presentation worthy of their status. The partnership speaks to the increasingly close relationship between luxury fashion and elite sport, where the presentation of an award has become part of the wider cultural spectacle. The red carpet reinforced that connection, with players using formalwear to communicate personal style beyond the pitch. Louis Vuitton house ambassador Sophie Turner attended in a cropped, all black tailored suit with button detailing, while the brand’s presence linked the ceremony’s sporting prestige with the wider world of fashion and celebrity.

The arrivals offered a range of interpretations of black tie, from understated tailoring to more expressive silhouettes. Kylian Mbappé stepped out in a suede tuxedo, bringing texture to a classic eveningwear look, while Harry Kane opted for a traditional black tuxedo and a poppy pin. Lamine Yamal drew attention in an oversized statement look, finished with a flower on his lapel, while Ousmane Dembélé brought his own approach to the occasion. Alexia Putellas made a striking entrance in a cream outfit finished with feather detailing, and England defender Lucy Bronze wore a one shoulder maroon dress with her hair styled up. Jorja Smith, who performed during the evening, arrived in a black lace dress with a dramatic train. The looks demonstrated how football’s red carpet has developed into a platform for individuality, with players and guests balancing formal dress codes against personal expression.

The guest list brought together figures from football, entertainment and fashion. Former Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen attended with his wife Louise Bonsall, with the pair coordinating in black, while Kate Scott co hosted the ceremony alongside Thierry Henry. Sophie Turner added a high profile entertainment presence, and Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário was among the former greats in attendance. The wider football contingent included leading nominees, coaches and representatives from the men’s and women’s game, with the ceremony offering a rare gathering of current stars and celebrated names from previous generations. Beyond the trophies, the evening demonstrated the Ballon d’Or’s growing role as a global cultural event, where football’s sporting achievements sit alongside fashion, celebrity and luxury partnerships. In its 70th year, the ceremony brought the story back to its origins through the choice of London, while showing how far the award has travelled since Stanley Matthews first lifted the prize in 1956.