Thierry Henry and Kate Scott to Host 70th Ballon d’Or Ceremony in London
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry will take centre stage at one of football’s most prestigious nights, joining British presenter Kate Scott as co-host of the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony. The event is scheduled for next Monday at the London Palladium, marking the first time the awards have been held in the English capital.
Organised by France Football, the ceremony will bring together leading players, coaches and figures from across the global game to recognise the season’s outstanding achievements. Its 70th-anniversary edition is expected to carry added significance, celebrating not only individual excellence but also the award’s long history as a defining fixture on the football calendar.
Henry Makes His Ballon d’Or Hosting Debut
Henry, widely regarded as one of Arsenal’s greatest players, will host the ceremony for the first time. He succeeds former Netherlands international Ruud Gullit, who led the previous edition. The appointment gives the former France forward a prominent role in an event closely associated with the sport’s biggest names and most memorable moments.
Although this will be Henry’s first time presenting the Ballon d’Or, he is no stranger to broadcasting. He currently works with Scott on CBS Sports’ Golazo, a programme focused on the UEFA Champions League. Their on-screen partnership also includes former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and ex-Manchester City midfielder Micah Richards, giving the pair plenty of experience discussing football in front of a global audience.
Henry’s playing career makes him a natural choice for a ceremony celebrating elite talent. He enjoyed a celebrated spell at Arsenal, where his pace, movement and finishing helped define an era for the club. He also represented France at the highest level, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. His experience as a player, coach and analyst gives him a broad perspective on the pressures and achievements that shape a top-level football career.
London Provides a New Setting for the Awards
The London Palladium will provide the backdrop for the 70th ceremony, bringing the Ballon d’Or to a city with an unusually deep connection to football. London is home to clubs with major domestic and international followings, while its supporters reflect the game’s global reach. Staging the awards there offers a fresh setting for an event that has traditionally travelled between major European cities.
The venue also places the ceremony in the heart of the capital’s entertainment district. That combination of theatre, sport and international celebrity is likely to give the evening a distinctive atmosphere, while the anniversary provides an opportunity to look back at how the Ballon d’Or has evolved since its launch in 1956.
Over the decades, the award has become a worldwide reference point in debates about football’s greatest players. Its winners have included goal scorers, playmakers and defenders whose performances shaped memorable seasons. While the final result attracts much of the attention, the ceremony also celebrates the wider achievements and influence of players across the sport.
Scott Returns for a Second Consecutive Year
Scott will return as co-host after presenting the 2025 edition. The upcoming ceremony will be her fifth appearance at the event, following previous hosting roles in 2014 and 2015. Her experience and familiarity with the format should provide a steady counterpoint to Henry’s first outing as host.
Scott has built a strong profile as a football broadcaster, covering major competitions and interviewing some of the sport’s most recognisable figures. Her work alongside Henry on Golazo has already established an easy professional rapport between the two presenters—an advantage for a live ceremony that combines formal award announcements with entertainment and interviews.
Henry said London was an especially meaningful place for him. “London is my home, and I have a close connection to this city, its football culture and its passionate fans,” he said. He added that hosting alongside his colleague and friend Scott was an ideal fit, and said he expected the night to be “an exceptional evening” celebrating football’s leading talents.
Scott also welcomed the opportunity to return. She described the Ballon d’Or as a special occasion that brings the football world together to recognise players who inspire future generations, adding that she was honoured to host the event again.
What to Expect From the 70th Ballon d’Or Night
Attention will naturally focus on the award contenders and the season’s defining performances, but the hosts will help shape how those stories are presented. Henry’s status as a former star and respected football voice may bring a player’s perspective to conversations about pressure, consistency and legacy. Scott’s broadcasting experience, meanwhile, should help guide viewers through the evening’s announcements and tributes.
As with any major football award, predictions and debate are likely to build before the ceremony. Supporters will compare individual statistics, team success and performances in decisive matches, while also considering how different positions and roles are valued. The Ballon d’Or discussion often extends beyond goals and trophies, raising questions about influence, leadership and a player’s impact on the wider game.
With London hosting for the first time, the award reaching its 70th edition, and Henry making his presenting debut, this year’s ceremony has several storylines beyond the eventual winners. The pairing of Henry and Scott brings together football experience and polished sports broadcasting for a night designed to celebrate the players who have shaped the season—and the generations that follow them.
