PSG stars set to miss Ballon d'Or ceremony after Ligue 1 moves Lyon match to Monday

Paris Saint-Germain will miss the Ballon d'Or ceremony as a squad. The Ligue 1 match against Lyon at the Parc des Princes has been moved from Sunday to Monday over security concerns, placing it directly on the same evening as the award gala in London. PSG have ten players nominated for the men's prize, but only the injured trio of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Marquinhos would have a realistic chance of making the trip.

The scheduling clash forces the Champions League holders to put domestic competition first. While the squad prepares to host Lyon, the football world's attention will be on the ceremony where PSG boast one of the largest contingents among the nominees.

• PSG vs Lyon moves from Sunday to Monday at 8:30pm due to the security operation in Paris.
• The Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place on Monday night in London.
• Ten PSG players are up for the men's award, plus nominees in young player, goalkeeper and coach categories.
• Injured Dembele, Kvaratskhelia and Marquinhos could still attend the gala.
• Paris hosts its first NFL game on Sunday between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints.

Why Ligue 1 moved PSG vs Lyon to Monday

French authorities are preparing a massive security operation this weekend, with up to 70,000 officers expected to be deployed in response to the unrest that has swept across the country in recent weeks. That situation has led Ligue 1 to reschedule the meeting between Paris and Lyon, which was originally due to be played on Sunday night at the Parc des Princes.

The new kick-off time is Monday at 8:30pm. It is not a minor adjustment: Paris is facing a weekend packed with sporting events and protests, which demands spreading police resources across several parts of the city.

Paris hosts first NFL game on Sunday, adding to police pressure

On Sunday afternoon, the Stade de France will stage the first NFL game in the French capital, between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints. The event remains on schedule as planned, but it requires additional officers around the stadium and extra vigilance on a day already marked by protests.

With the Ligue 1 fixture shifted to Monday, the city avoids holding two major events on the same day. The NFL game stands as the main sporting focus on Sunday in Paris, while PSG will wait an extra 24 hours before stepping onto the pitch.

The ten PSG players nominated for the men's Ballon d'Or

The European champions dominate the shortlist for the most prestigious individual award in football. The ten PSG players in contention are Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabian Ruiz, Ferran Torres and Vitinha.

The club also has representation in other major categories: Warren Zaire-Emery is up for the young player award, Matvey Safonov is shortlisted for the goalkeeper prize, and Luis Enrique competes for men's coach of the year.

Dembele, Kvaratskhelia and Marquinhos: the only ones who could travel to London

Injury could turn into an unexpected ticket to the gala. Dembele, Kvaratskhelia and captain Marquinhos are currently sidelined, which would open the door for them to travel to London without disrupting the team's preparation. The rest of the nominees, available to play, will stay in Paris with the squad.

Kvaratskhelia's case is particularly serious: the club confirmed the Georgian ruptured his ACL in the win over Barcelona in midweek. It is a long-term injury, but it would not necessarily keep him away from the awards ceremony if his recovery allows it.

What is at stake for PSG against Lyon at the Parc des Princes

Beyond the gala, the match against Lyon remains important for the Ligue 1 leaders. Hosting one of the historic rivals of French football at home is always a test of strength, and the date change does not alter the goal of collecting three points in front of their own fans.

The postponement also adds pressure to the calendar for both teams. Playing on Monday night reduces recovery time ahead of the following matchday, a situation Luis Enrique's coaching staff will have to manage while some of his internationals shine, from a distance, in London.