Ballon d’Or 2026: PSG‑OL report blocks eight players in London

Under the neon lights of the London Palladium, the corridors remain empty as the preparations for the 2026 Ballon d’Or speed up. The ceremony, which will be held this year in London rather than Paris, is drawing near, just 72 hours from the eagerly awaited verdict.

At this stage, no name has yet leaked to the press, and it is difficult to discern a clear trend given the many favorites. The grand showcase of the round ball is being prepared without any official indication of the nominees.

Postponement of the PSG‑OL match

Ligue 1 has moved the eighth day of competition between Paris Saint‑Germain and Olympique Lyonnais, originally scheduled for Sunday evening, to Monday evening. This decision, taken by the LFP, prevents eight players from the capital club and their coach Luis Enrique from attending the Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium.

Ballon d'Or forces PSG to postpone their clash with Lyon

Among the injured players, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes, all listed among the thirty candidates, could theoretically travel, but Matvey Safonov, Warren Zaïre‑Emery, Achraf Hakimi, Joao Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabian Ruiz, Ferran Torres and Vitinha will not be able to.

Luis Enrique, nominated for the best coach award, will rely on those present to face Olympique Lyonnais at the same time at the Parc des Princes, kickoff at 20:30. The clash will pit two of the co‑leaders of the league, a confrontation that PSG cannot take lightly.

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It remains to be seen whether president Nasser Al‑Khelaïfi will be in Paris or London for the trophy presentation.