Adekunle, Burna Boy, Jorja: best and worst dressed at the Ballons d’Or

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Opens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandIt was an all-black affair at the 2026 Ballons d’Or in London. Pictures: Reuters/Matthew Childs/soccernet_ng/Instagram The Ballon d’Or (French for “Golden Ball”) is an annual football award presented since 1956 by French magazine France Football to honour the player judged to have performed the best over the previous season.

The 70th annual ceremony was held in London on October 26 2026.

View this post on Instagram As one of the most timid black-tie events, Ballon d’Or attendees rarely take risks. In an attempt to jazz up his look, Adekunle uses accessories to avoid a boring ensemble. Statement earrings, a striking watch and shades to top it all off, it’s a simple yet effective way to rock up at the event.

Luis Diaz and his partner, Geraldine Ponce ❤️ https://t.co/B7sqdIRoT1 pic.twitter.com/b43byZAbB1

The pair nailed it with their couples co-ord. Football star Diaz stuns in a relaxed boxy fit suit with his missing lapel making an appearance on the skirt of Ponce’s gown. Both looks pay more attention to grooming than over-the-top accessories or hair for a sense of sophisticared yet modern simplicity.

View this post on Instagram The football star (left) loves her signature slick middle-part bun that is often paired with tailored suits. The look for the night is no exception. While its been popular for men to try cropped boxy jackets, she showcases how to create complimentary shape thanks to the fit and pop of an oversized collar to elevate an understated look.

Joan Garcia and his girlfriend, Anna Pesarrodona 🥹❤️ https://t.co/B7sqdIRWIz pic.twitter.com/9HpjTQnsue

In what best resembles the regal style of Megan Markle with a vampy twist, Pesarrodona is a vision with her gown and jacket combo.

View this post on Instagram With the right stylist, Dembélé could easily be a force to be reckoned with on any given red carpet. Playing it safe in all burgundy tux and bow tie, he certainly knew how to stand out.

Singer and songwriter Burna Boy on the red carpet. Picture: Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs There aren’t many people who can pull of a three-piece velvet ensemble, but Burna Boy takes a risk that was worth it in the end. Thanks to his tall and lanky frame, the look doesn’t create an off-putting shape that could have been elevated had he opted for a high-low updo in the hair department.

Actress Sophie Turner at the Ballon d’Or event. Picture: Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs While she’s no stranger to red carpets, Turner rocked up underdressed for the night. The trousers make the ensemble too casual and the jacket does not have enough design elements to be worthy of a black tie affair.

Singer and songwriter Jorja Smith on the red carpet. Picture: Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs While Smith brought the elegance, she falls into the same style trap as Turner for a look that seems better suited for a different event. This lacey number screams boudoir or Victoria’s Secret.

Alexia Putellas poses on the red carpet. Picture: Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs While Putellas may have been aiming for an elegant Old Hollywood moment, she fell flat with this moulting bird look. The plumes are too much and perhaps need more cinching to really help the slit (if higher) to shine, and the shoulders could do with a drop.

FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. Picture: Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs Among the boxy looks of the night, it’s not the best — especially with the floral appliqué that he can’t seem to pull off as a statement of his own making. While Chanel has never dedicated itself to menswear, Yamal could learn a thing or two from the likes of Jaden Smith, Usher and A$AP Rocky on how to make your personal style shine through the pieces available.

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