(Paris) The most prestigious individual awards ceremony in the world of soccer, the Ballons d’Or, will be presented in Paris on October 28, the new organizing committee of the event announced on Thursday.
The running candidates will be revealed on September 4, meaning voters will be able to consider the European Championship and Copa America in men’s soccer, as well as the Olympic women’s soccer tournament.
Real Madrid players Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos are among the favourites after leading the Spanish side to the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles. Kroos will hang up his boots after taking part in Euro 2024 in Germany, and he has never finished in the top three in the Ballon d’Or voting.
FC Barcelona successfully defended their Women’s Champions League title, notably after Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas scored in the final against Lyon.
The monthly magazine France Football presented the first Ballon d’Or to a player in 1956, and added its women’s equivalent in 2018. UEFA is now the magazine’s partner and is helping to market the event as well as organise the ceremony, which will take place in a venue in the heart of Paris.
Lionel Messi and Bonmati won the men’s and women’s awards, respectively, last year following their World Cup victories.