The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony ranked as the second most-watched in its history, with more than two million viewers.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, held on Monday, October 26, drew a considerable audience in front of the screens. According to the figures released, more than two million viewers followed the presentation of the trophy, placing the event second among the highest audiences in its history for the broadcaster L'Équipe.
The suspense surrounding the final ranking undoubtedly helped hold the public's attention until the very last moment. English striker Harry Kane was proclaimed the winner, ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, three players whose seasons were closely followed by football fans around the world.
This audience success nonetheless remains behind the record set at the 2022 edition, still regarded as the most-watched on the channel. The 2026 figure nevertheless confirms the lasting attachment of the French public to this appointment, which extends well beyond the circle of football competition enthusiasts alone.
Beyond the numbers, the evening illustrates the central place the Ballon d'Or occupies in the sports media landscape. Each year, the ceremony generates strong anticipation, fueled by debates over the respective merits of the candidates and by the spectacular nature of the award presentation.
The strong turnout for the broadcast also demonstrates the ability of major sporting events to bring together diverse audiences, on television as well as on digital platforms. Channel executives can therefore welcome an appointment that retains a solid audience, even after several editions.
The suspense surrounding the final ranking undoubtedly helped hold the public's attention until the very last moment. English striker Harry Kane was proclaimed the winner, ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, three players whose seasons were closely followed by football fans around the world.
This audience success nonetheless remains behind the record set at the 2022 edition, still regarded as the most-watched on the channel. The 2026 figure nevertheless confirms the lasting attachment of the French public to this appointment, which extends well beyond the circle of football competition enthusiasts alone.
Beyond the numbers, the evening illustrates the central place the Ballon d'Or occupies in the sports media landscape. Each year, the ceremony generates strong anticipation, fueled by debates over the respective merits of the candidates and by the spectacular nature of the award presentation.
The strong turnout for the broadcast also demonstrates the ability of major sporting events to bring together diverse audiences, on television as well as on digital platforms. Channel executives can therefore welcome an appointment that retains a solid audience, even after several editions.
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Source: Ouest-France