Stars arrive for glitzy Ballon d'Or bash in London: Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner, Jorja Smith, and Kate Scott join sporting legends Gary Lineker and Ronaldo... with England captain Harry Kane hoping to land top prize

Published: 15:45 EDT, 26 October 2026 | Updated: 15:54 EDT, 26 October 2026 Stars of football were pictured on the red carpet ahead of the glitzy Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium.England captain Harry Kane, Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe are viewed as the frontrunners to land the top prize on the night.Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner was among those from the showbiz world taking to the red carpet ahead of one of the biggest nights in the football calendar.Turner was followed by British singing superstar Jorja Smith and presenter Kate Scott.Scott, who is set to host the ceremony with football legend Thierry Henry, shared a kiss with her husband Malik Scott on the red carpet.Football legends including Gary Lineker and former Brazil forward Ronaldo also arrived ahead of the ceremony, along with Alan Shearer, Figo and Jamie Carragher.Presenter Kate Scott shard a kiss with her husband Malik Scott on the red carpet ahead of hosting the Ballon d'Or ceremonyActress Sophie Turner and singer Jorja Smith were among those from the showbiz world in attendance Michael Owen, the last English man to win the Ballon d'Or in 2001, arrived at the ceremony with his wife LouiseThe leading names bidding to land the men's award were among the later arrivals ahead of the ceremony getting underway.Kane is hoping to become the first English man to win the award since Michael Owen back in 2001.Owen will be among those in the crowd, with the former England forward set to watch the event with his wife Louise.Mbappe, who is hoping to land the award for the first time, will lead a Real Madrid delegation in London after the Spanish club ended a two-year boycott.The Spanish giants dramatically pulled out of attending the 2024 award ceremony at the last minute after it emerged Vinicius Jr was not expected to claim the top prize.Rodri was insisted announced as the winner over the Brazilian star.Real Madrid continued their boycott last year, with only Caroline Weir travelling to the event after she had been nominated for the women's prize. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, centre right, was joined by Chelsea team-mates Veerle Buurman, Manaka Matsukubo and Melvine Malard at the awards bash England star Lucy Bronze was among a strong Lionnesses' contignent among the attendees Alan Shearer was among footballing luminaries to be suited up for the event at the London Palladium Brazilian legend Ronaldo will hand over the men's Ballon d'Or award at the end of the evening