For the first time, the Ballon d'Or is heading to London. While the winner's name is traditionally announced during a dazzling ceremony at Paris's Théâtre du Châtelet, the prestigious award ceremony will now take place in the English capital.

There is a special reason behind this change: this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or. Stanley Matthews won the award in the men's category for the first time.

To pay tribute to the late English forward, the French magazine France Football decided to announce this year's Ballon d'Or winner in London.

It was previously announced that the event will take place on October 26.

New information has now revealed the date for the release of the shortlist, with the 30-player shortlists for both the men's and women's categories set to be announced on September 8.

This announcement marks the official kickoff of the Ballon d'Or countdown.

Voting will commence following the release of the shortlist. A global jury board will be formed comprising football-expert journalists.

One journalist each from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries will vote in the men's category, while journalists from the top 50 countries will vote in the women's category.

Each voter will select their top 10 players from the shortlist in sequential order. A first-choice player will receive 15 points, with points decreasing step-by-step down to 1 point for the tenth choice.

Once all votes are tallied, it will be revealed whose hands will lift the coveted golden ball on the London stage on October 26.

France's Ousmane Dembélé is currently positioned against Spain's Aitana Bonmatí, who stands as the reigning women's award winner.