Princess Charlene of Monaco honoured football’s social commitment on September 22 by presenting the Sócrates Prize at the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
The event, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet, celebrated the sport’s most outstanding performers and humanitarian initiatives.
Since 1956, France Football has organised the Ballon d’Or to recognise the best male and female players of the season.
In recent years, it has expanded to include categories such as the Kopa Trophy for best young player, the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, the Gerd Müller Award for top scorer and a series of club awards.
Princess Charlene presents major prize at Ballon d'Or awards in Paris
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The Sócrates Prize, created by Peace and Sport in collaboration with L’Équipe and the France Football Group, focuses on solidarity.
It honours footballers who lead projects to help communities and tackle social issues.
This year’s award went to the Xana Foundation, which supports children with serious illnesses and their families.
Princess Charlene presented the 2025 trophy to Sira Martínez, who serves as patron of the foundation and accepted it on its behalf.
Charlene presented the Sócrates Prize at the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony
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Charlene, 47, chose an elegant look for the high-profile evening. She wore a floor-length white cady gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab, priced at $2,450 (£1,814).
The long-sleeved dress featured a boat neckline, a slightly puffed shoulder detail and a column skirt with subtle movement, while a cinched waist added definition to the silhouette.
She complemented the gown with swirl cluster diamond earrings and a sleek hairstyle, leaving a few strands loose to frame her face. Her makeup included a bold red lip.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony also reflected the continuing partnership between football and French luxury fashion. Louis Vuitton, which has collaborated with France Football for several years, designed the official trophy trunk carrying the iconic golden balls.
Princess Charlene wore an Elie Saab creation to the awards ceremony
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The custom-made piece featured the brand’s signature monogram canvas and brass fittings.
The Monegasque royal has a well-documented appreciation for the house’s designs, wearing Louis Vuitton pieces on multiple occasions, including a custom jumpsuit at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix and a blue evening gown at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival.
Princess Charlene’s presence at the ceremony underscored Monaco’s support for sport as a tool for peace and development, a cause she and Prince Albert have long championed.
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Princess Charlene accessorised with diamond cluster earrings
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The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation promotes swimming and water safety while encouraging values of solidarity and respect.
By presenting the Sócrates Prize, she highlighted how football can inspire action beyond the pitch and help families facing serious health challenges.
The 69th Ballon d’Or reaffirmed its dual role as both football’s premier awards night and a platform for social responsibility, with Charlene’s appearance placing the spotlight firmly on the humanitarian work recognised by the Sócrates Prize.
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