Now it is time for the Socrates Award, which honours humanitarian work and social initiatives connected to football.

Spain

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Men's goalkeepers of the year, Unai Simon: "Well done Cata [Coll]. A real honour for me to be here this evening.

"An award which wouldn't be possible for all these people, I need to thank. My parents and my brother, who brought me up with these principles and values.

"I know that this is a very chaotic world and she [partner] brings some tranquillity to me."

Spain

Women's goalkeepers of the year, Cata Coll: "It is a privilege to share this event and to share this stage with Spaniard [Unai Simon].

"There is no greater honour than this.

"Thank you to my national team for enabling me to represent my country and allowing me to be better.

"This may be an individual prize, but they always say you can't achieve these successes without everyone else involved."

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This award goes to Spain and Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Another award for Spain and Barcelona as Cata Coll wins the women's prize.

Image source, Reuters

We've just been reminded that Peter Schmeichel was not only brilliant at keeping out goals, but didn't do too badly at scoring them as well - he got nine goals in his career.

I know of strikers for my team through the years who have had a worse strike record than that.

Legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is here to present these awards.

On we go to the next awards - the 2026 goalkeeper of the year.

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This is the first time the event is being held in London, a move which Uefa says is to pay tribute to the inaugural winner, England's Stanley Matthews in 1956.

The ceremony is traditionally held in France, and has taken place in Paris' Theatre du Chatelet since 2019.

We're now getting a little video showing the history of the Ballon d'Or with this the 70th edition of it.

Spain

Men's coach of the year, Luis de la Fuente: "Good evening, it is a real honour for me to receive this prize.

"To be among these nominees is just something very special. I would like to thank the rest of the nominees as they have done more than enough to deserve this.

"This prize is not an individual prize. This is for a whole team, a great team.

"It is an honour to train you and work with you. I would like to thank the Spanish football federation.

"The secret is really working with footballers that are very generous and work in solidarity and put their team above their individual selves."

Image source, EPA

Spain's dominance of the night continues as Luis de la Fuente, who led Spain to the World Cup title in the summer, wins the award.

Thierry Henry
Former France forward and DAZN presenter

Vincent Kompany is one of the contenders and he cannot be here tonight. We wish him a speedy recovery. Get well soon, Vince.

There's a nice touch as get well wishes are paid to Vincent Kompany, one of the nominees who is currently recovering after collapsing at the Bayern Munich's training ground on Friday.

Right we are on to the men's coach of the year.

Will we see Spain's dominance of the awards this evening continue..?

Spain

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Women's coach of the year Pere Romeu: "Pleasure to be here and to receive this award. Thank you so much. Congratulations to everyone else.

"Secondly I feel this is a collective prize, a prize for the team. We have some excellent football players and we have won many titles in previous titles.

"I am very grateful for all the football players who have been part of this past season."

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This award goes to the Barcelona Femení boss Pere Romeu.

Here comes former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez to present this award.

Benitez memorably led Liverpool to that famous 2005 Champions League win.