The Russians, by. How was the anniversary ceremony of the “Golden ball”
Harry Kane became the owner of the Golden Ball - 2026, and Matvey Safonov lost the award Lev Yashin as the best goalkeeper of the season. How was the 70th anniversary ceremony of the “Golden ball” in the photo report “RBC Sport”
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony was held in London at the Palladium Theatre.
Before the start of the event, fans tried to overcome the fence to get a closer look at the stars of football. The situation escalated and police had to intervene to restore order.
The large crowd also made it difficult for guests to arrive. The ceremony began with a delay of 45 minutes.
Spanish football player “Barcelona” Lamine Yamal for the third time in his career became the winner of the award for the best young player.
The goalkeeper of Paris-Saint Germain and the Russian national team Matvey Safonov took fourth place in the voting for the Lev Yashin prize. The best goalkeeper in the world was recognized as the goalkeeper “Athletic Bilbao” and the national team of Spain Unai Simon.
The first six awards of the ceremony went to representatives of Spain: Lamine Yamal – the best young footballer; Vicki Lopez – the best young footballer; Pere Romeu – the best coach of the women’s team; Luis de la Fuente – the best coach of the men’s team; Kata Kohl is the best goalkeeper among women and Unai Simon is the best goalkeeper among men.
PSG, for which Safonov acts, became the best men's football club last season. Forward of the French team Ousmane Dembele received the award.
Bayern England striker Harry Kane became the top scorer of last season among men. Kane played 51 games for Bayern, scored 61 goals and made seven assists.
The main individual award of the season "Golden Ball" also received Kane. Before him, the English have not taken the prize since 2001, when Michael Owen did, and Bayern players since 1981 (Karl-Heinz Rummenigge).
The second place in the vote for the title of best footballer was taken by the forward of Real Madrid and the French national team Kylian Mbappe. The striker last season became the top scorer of all the main tournaments in which he participated - the World Cup (10 goals), the Champions League (15) and the Spanish Championship (25).
Among women, the owner of the Golden Ball was the Spaniard Alexia Putella. This is her third career win: she previously won the award in 2021 and 2022.
Stars also attended the ceremony, including actress Natalie Portman, UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett, Grammy Award nominee George Smith.
