Man City's Rodri beats Vincius Jr to win men's award
Aitana Bonmati wins women's award for second successive year
Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez recognised as world's best goalkeeper for second year in row
Harry Kane given award for best goalscorer - shared with Kylian Mbappe who did not attend
Lamine Yamal wins Kopa Trophy for best young player
Emma Hayes and Carlo Ancelotti win inaugural coach of the year awards
Barcelona win women's club award and Real Madrid win men's club award
Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
An Englishman has made the podium in Paris, with Kobbie Mainoo confirmed as finishing third in the 2024 Kopa Trophy voting.
Real Madrid's Arda Guler was second, behind winner Lamine Yamal.
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen collecting his Kopa Trophy prize, technical issues meant that Lamine Yamal couldn't hear the translation of what Didier Drogba was asking him. Luckily, Ruud Gullit stepped in.
The 1987 Ballon d'Or winner said of Yamal: "I think he’s very mature in the way he plays. I think he has a huge future ahead of him and will win many trophies.
"I saw him in the Euros final against England. History was in his hands. We need young players, we need players that have the talent and show it. This is the thing we miss. We live in an era of players taking one or two touches, but we need to see players dribbling. Please!"
No huge surprise, as Barcelona retain the women's club of the year title, having won the inaugural award in 2023.
Barca retained both the La Liga F and Women's Champions League titles last season.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe now get the Bellon d'Or Feminin rankings from 10th to eighth.
Two-time winner Alexia Putellas is 10th, USA's Trinity Rodman is ninth, with Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey comes eighth.
The ceremony has not got off to the best of starts, as Didier Drogba and Sandy Heribert are trying to ask Lamine Yamal questions in English - which Yamal does not speak, and the translation in his ear does not seem to be working.
It's all quite awkward, especially as Yamal seems like a quiet lad given his immense talent.
Lamine Yamal is the first player aged under 18 to win the trophy for under-21 players - he's only 17.
He's the youngest La Liga scorer ever, the youngest player to play and score for Spain, the youngest player at a Euros finals and the youngest player to score at a Euros.
We should expect to see him at many Ballon d'Or ceremonies in the future.
Image source, Getty ImagesNot a huge surprise as Lamine Yamal wins the Kopa Trophy for best young player.
He was so key in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, including a wonder goal against France in the semi-final.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Kopa Trophy is to be presented by Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, Ballon d'Or winner in 1987.
We get a montage of Gullit's best career moments, of which there are many - including Champions Leagues and European Championships.
Prepare for many, many montages tonight.
Our first award tonight is the Kopa Trophy, for players aged under 21.
The nominees are:
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Image source, Getty ImagesVinicius Jr. deserves strong consideration for the Ballon d’Or due to his extraordinary skill, creativity, and game-changing presence for Real Madrid. In the 2022-23 season, he emerged as one of the most electric and influential wingers in the world, consistently breaking down defences with his pace, dribbling, and flair. Vinicius was instrumental in Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey win and deep Champions League run, often stepping up in critical moments and showing remarkable growth in his finishing and playmaking abilities. His ability to draw defenders and create space for teammates added a new dimension to Madrid’s attack, while his flair for spectacular goals and assists made him a fan favourite and a nightmare for defenders. Beyond his individual stats, Vinicius embodies the spirit and passion that define a true contender for the Ballon d’Or, and his progression hints at a player poised to dominate world football for years to come.
Robert
All the nominees for tonight's awards are being welcomed onto stage - those who have attended the ceremony, that is.
They arrive in pairs, with Rodri accompanied by his Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente.
Will they be returning to the stage to collect awards later tonight?
Didier Drogba draws attention to the former Ballon d'Or winners in the crowd, including Luis Figo, George Weah and Hristo Stoichkov.
He also shouts out the French blind football team, who are guests of honour after winning Paralympic gold at Paris 2024.
Image source, Getty ImagesAs happened last year, the Ballon d'Or ceremony has fallen in the middle of a women's international break.
This means most of the biggest names in women's football, including many nominees, are unable to attend tonight.
This includes the English nominees - Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp - who are preparing for the Lionesses' friendly against South Africa.
“It’s really disappointing because it is a moment to celebrate women’s football so you want to be there,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman today - she also misses out, after being nominated for women's coach of the year.
“But we have a job to do so we have to be here, and it would be really helpful if they scheduled it for another date.”
Image source, Getty ImagesImpressively on time, the ceremony is getting under way.
Hosts Didier Drogba and Sandy Heribert have taken the stage in Paris.
There has been a shocked reaction to reports that Vinicius Jr will not travel to Paris tonight after failing to win the Ballon d'Or.
The shock largely comes from the fact that Vinicius, for many, was the surefire favourite.
He scored 24 goals during the 2023-24 season, helping Real Madrid win three trophies including La Liga and the Champions League.
He scored six Champions League goals, including in the final against Borussia Dortmund and twice against Bayern Munich in the semis.
Image source, Getty ImagesThere are 10 trophies in total to be given out tonight, including the men's and women's Ballon d'Or.
These include the Kopa Trophy for best player under the age of 21 - England's Kobbie Mainoo is nominated - and the Yashin Trophy for best male goalkeeper.
There are two awards for best club of the year. Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Manchester City and Real Madrid are the men's nominees; up for the women's prize are Barcelona, Chelsea, PSG, Lyon and NY/NJ Gotham.
Men's Coach of the Year nominees include Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, while Emma Hayes is up for the women's coaching prize.
We also have the Gerd Muller Prize for best striker, while there is the Socrates Award for humanitarian work - which Vinicius won last year for his stance against racism in Spanish football.
BBC Sport pundit and former England international Fara Williams explains why she is backing Aitana Bonmati for a second successive Ballon d'Or...
The Football News Show: Fara Williams hails Ballon d'Or contender Aitana Bonmati's IQ
Aitana Bonmati is a strong contender to be the second woman to win back to back Ballons d'Or - as well as the second Barcelona player, and the second Spaniard.
The men's award is voted for by a jury of journalists from each of the top 100 countries in the Fifa men's rankings.
The winner of the women's award will be chosen by a jury of women’s journalists representing the top 50 countries in the Fifa women’s rankings.
One name in particular dominates this list - but he is absent tonight.
Lionel Messi may have scored 22 goals in helping Inter Miami win the MLS Supporters' Shield, however injuries plus the perception he is playing in an inferior league means the 2023 champion is not in the running tonight.
