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French Montana to Perform at Ballon d’Or 2026 as Morocco’s Stars Take Centre Stage

The Casablanca-born rapper will bring Moroccan representation to football’s biggest individual awards night in London, where Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou and Ayyoub Bouaddi are also among the nominees.

By the Atlas Lions Editorial Desk24 Oct 2026How we report

Moroccan star French Montana is set to perform at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday, October 26, in London, adding a touch of Moroccan music to one of football’s most prestigious nights.

According to France Football, the Casablanca-born rapper will deliver a special performance during the 70th edition of the awards, bringing together some of the biggest names in world football and entertainment.

His appearance offers another moment of international visibility for Morocco, with the country’s influence continuing to extend beyond the football pitch and into the global entertainment industry.

French Montana Brings Moroccan Flair to Football’s Biggest Night

French Montana has previously performed at major sporting events, strengthening his connection with football and its worldwide audience.

The Moroccan-born artist was among the performers at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, sharing the stage with RedOne and Nigerian superstar Davido.

He also contributed to the official album associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further connecting his music with the global game.

Now, his appearance at the Ballon d’Or ceremony provides another opportunity to represent his Moroccan roots on an international stage.

English singer Jorja Smith has also been announced as a performer for the highly anticipated evening.

Thierry Henry and Kate Scott to Host the Ceremony

The 2026 ceremony will be presented by former France international Thierry Henry and British journalist Kate Scott, according to the announcement reported by France Football.

Henry, a nine-time Ballon d’Or nominee and runner-up in 2003, will bring his experience at the highest level of football to the event.

Fans will also be able to watch the ceremony for free on DAZN, with registration required to access the broadcast, according to the supplied report.

Three Moroccan Names to Watch at the Ballon d’Or

Beyond the entertainment, Moroccan football supporters will have several reasons to follow this year's ceremony.

Achraf Hakimi, captain of the Atlas Lions and Paris Saint-Germain right-back, is among the 30 nominees for the men's Ballon d’Or, putting Moroccan football in the spotlight among the world's leading players.

Meanwhile, Yassine Bounou is nominated for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper, while young Moroccan talent Ayyoub Bouaddi is nominated for the Kopa Trophy, which recognises the best player under the age of 21.

Their nominations highlight the growing international profile of Moroccan football, from established stars competing for the sport's biggest individual honour to emerging talents making their mark on the European stage.

With French Montana performing and three Moroccan footballers represented among the nominees, the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony promises to be a significant occasion for Morocco's sporting and cultural presence.

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atlaslions.com is an independent digital media platform dedicated to Moroccan football and global diaspora culture. Run by Atlas Media Network LLC, this content is published under fair-use reporting guidelines for news, commentary, and educational purposes, and is not affiliated with FRMF or with FIFA.