PSG Players Skip 2026 Ballon d'Or Ceremony Due to Match

Paris Saint-Germain's players and officials will be absent from the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London on October 26. This decision is not due to a snub or protest but is a result of a Ligue 1 fixture against Lyon, which was moved to the same day due to security concerns in the French capital.

French authorities are deploying up to 70,000 officers in response to expected unrest. PSG has a significant presence at the awards, with reigning Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele and nine other nominees including Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos.

Additionally, Warren Zaire-Emery is nominated for the men's young talent prize, Matvey Safonov for best goalkeeper, and Luis Enrique for men's coach of the year. Although Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Marquinhos are injured and not required for the match, they will still miss the ceremony.

The absence of PSG's leading figures shifts attention to other contenders like Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal.