DAZN has secured the global broadcasting rights to the Ballon d'Or ceremony, bringing football's most prestigious individual award to fans across 200 markets worldwide at no cost. The celebration of elite male and female talent will take place on Monday, 26 October 2026 in London, marking a significant shift in how the iconic awards night reaches its audience.
Since its inception in 1956, the Ballon d'Or has remained the gold standard for recognising outstanding footballing achievement. France Football magazine curates the awards by evaluating player performances, team success, and personal conduct throughout the season. Last year's honours went to Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain on the men's side, while Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona claimed her third consecutive women's Ballon d'Or, cementing herself as one of modern football's most decorated players.
DAZN's Expanded Role in Football's Biggest Night
Beyond live broadcast coverage, DAZN will serve as Global Gold Sponsoring Partner in the sports broadcast and streaming services categories. This partnership underscores the streaming giant's commitment to delivering premium football content to a global audience. The platform plans comprehensive pre-ceremony coverage, including dedicated build-up content and special programming leading to the main event.
Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal: "The Ballon d'Or is one of football's most iconic events and a celebration of the players who inspire fans all over the world. We are delighted to bring the Ballon d'Or back to DAZN and to make it available free of charge to fans in 200 markets globally."
Geographic Availability and Exclusions
While DAZN's free broadcast reaches the vast majority of territories, certain restrictions apply. Exclusive free coverage excludes France, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, and several Central Asian nations, among others. In Turkey and Andorra, live rights remain non-exclusive, meaning alternative broadcasters may also show the ceremony.
This partnership reinforces DAZN's position as a leading sports streaming platform, adding football's premier individual honours to its extensive catalogue of elite competitions and moments.
