What time is Ballon d’Or 2022? When does award ceremony start?

The annual Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place on Monday, October 17, and we have the key timing information ahead of the event, including the start time.

For the first time in the history of the award, the winning players will be recognised for their achievements over the 2021/22 season, rather than simply the most recent calendar year.

It is also the first time since 2005 that Lionel Messi is not on the list of nominees for the men's award. The Argentinian has won the Ballon d'Or on a record six occasions, including in 2021. However, he will not make it Ballon d'Or number seven this year.

The hot favourite for the men's award is Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema. He scored 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions last season. He also helped his side to win the Champions League, La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

Other accolades up for grabs include the Yashin Trophy, for best men's goalkeeper, and the Kopa Trophy, for best men's young player.

France Football will also announce the winner of the Ballon d'Or Femenin during the ceremony. Lionesses trio Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright are all nominated.

Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas, meanwhile, will look to defend her crown, despite missing Euro 2022 due to an ACL injury.

What time does the Ballon d'Or 2022 ceremony start?

The Ballon d'Or 2022 ceremony will begin at 7:30pm UK time on Monday, October 17. The award will be presented to the winner by France Football.

It will be hosted by the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, with the ceremony usually lasting several hours.

Benzema is the heavy favourite with the bookmakers to win the men's award, with Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane also predicted to record a high finish.

Given that the Ballon d'Or is only judged on last season, however, Haaland's incredible start to life at Manchester City will not be factored in when it comes to deciding on a winner.