For the first time in its history, the trophy honouring the world's best footballer will be handed out in the British capital, on the occasion of its 70th edition.
For the first time since the trophy's creation, the Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held outside Paris. On Monday 26 October, the evening that honours the world's best footballer of the year will take place in London, England, rather than in its usual setting at the Théâtre du Châtelet in the French capital.
The choice of a foreign city is no accident. It is part of the celebrations surrounding the 70th edition of the award, a milestone that justifies breaking with habit. The organisers are looking to mark this symbolic stage and give the event a new dimension by taking it to another major centre of European football.
The Théâtre du Châtelet has hosted most of the previous editions and remains closely associated, in the public's mind, with the image of the Ballon d'Or. The move to London therefore represents a visible break with Parisian tradition, without calling into question the prestige of the trophy, which remains the most coveted individual distinction among footballers.
This change of scenery also reflects the international reach of the competition. In a season in which English clubs and players competing in the Premier League occupy a prominent place in the sporting debate, the British capital offers a showcase well suited to broadcasting the evening to a worldwide audience.
Whether this exceptional relocation becomes a precedent or remains a one-off tied to the anniversary is yet to be seen. For football fans, Monday's ceremony will offer the chance to experience an unusual format before the anticipated return to more traditional stages.
The choice of a foreign city is no accident. It is part of the celebrations surrounding the 70th edition of the award, a milestone that justifies breaking with habit. The organisers are looking to mark this symbolic stage and give the event a new dimension by taking it to another major centre of European football.
The Théâtre du Châtelet has hosted most of the previous editions and remains closely associated, in the public's mind, with the image of the Ballon d'Or. The move to London therefore represents a visible break with Parisian tradition, without calling into question the prestige of the trophy, which remains the most coveted individual distinction among footballers.
This change of scenery also reflects the international reach of the competition. In a season in which English clubs and players competing in the Premier League occupy a prominent place in the sporting debate, the British capital offers a showcase well suited to broadcasting the evening to a worldwide audience.
Whether this exceptional relocation becomes a precedent or remains a one-off tied to the anniversary is yet to be seen. For football fans, Monday's ceremony will offer the chance to experience an unusual format before the anticipated return to more traditional stages.
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Source: Ouest-France