American streaming service Paramount+ will stream the upcoming 2022 Ballon d’Or ceremony live as it happens.  The star-studded event will take place on Monday, October 17th in Paris.

Hosted by former Chelsea great Didier Drogba and television presenter Sandy Heribert, the ceremony begins at 2:30PM (ET).  Along with airing the entire event, Paramount+ will also stream an hour-long press conference at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Background on Ballon d’Or ceremony

The Ballon d’Or is an annual award presented to the top performer in the sport of that particular year. First originating in 1956, the trophy is presented by France Football, a weekly soccer magazine consisting of sporting news from all over the planet.

Argentina international Lionel Messi has won the most Ballon d’Or awards in the history of the prestigious event.  Along with his record seven wins, the now PSG player has also finished second in the voting five times, and third once.

Cristiano Ronaldo (5), Michel Platini (3), Johan Cruyff (3), and Marco van Basten (3) round out the top five Ballon d’Or winners of all time.

While Messi may have the most Golden Ball trophies of all time, he is not currently in contention to bring home his eighth triumph.  This will be the first time since 2005 that Messi was not among the nominations.  

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema is the current favorite to win the award this year.  However, there are 30 total players that can collect the Ballon d’Or.  Some other notable 2022 nominees include: Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski, Kevin De Bruyne, and Christopher Nkunku.

The men’s Ballon d’Or trophy is not, however, the only award handed out at the ceremony.  There is also a women’s Ballon d’Or, Kopa Trophy (best young player), Socrates Award (player involved in social/charitable work), Gerd Muller Trophy (top scorer), Yachine Trophy (best goalkeeper), and an award for the best club of the year.

Photo credit: IMAGO / MIS