Princess Charlene of Monaco brought timeless elegance and quiet sophistication to the 69th Ballon d’Or awards on September 22, making a solo appearance at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Wearing a dazzling white gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab, the royal turned heads as she stepped onto the red carpet to present one of the evening’s most meaningful accolades, the Sócrates Award.
The gown, known as the “Cady,” featured a high boat neckline and long sleeves, with slightly puffed shoulders that added volume to the sleek silhouette. The column skirt gave the dress subtle fluidity, while a cinched waist highlighted her statuesque figure.
From the back, the design revealed a dramatic open cut, a modern detail that enhanced the gown’s regal simplicity. The look was completed with swirl cluster diamond earrings, a slicked-back hairstyle with soft pieces framing her face, and a vibrant red lip for a pop of color.
Prince Albert, 67, didn’t accompany the 47-year-old royal, but she made a heartfelt mention of both him and her Olympic past while addressing the audience.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It is a pleasure to be here tonight among football’s greatest players, champions, and passionate supporters to present the Sócrates Trophy,” said Charlene during the ceremony.
She continued, “In Monaco, sports are highly regarded, and the Principality has been elected as the World Capital of Sports in 2025. As former Olympians, the Prince and I share the vision of the exemplary and educational importance of sports.”
“Football is more than an activity in itself. Sports require passion, patience, and commitment,” she continued. The Sócrates Award, created in 2022 by Peace and Sport in collaboration with L’Équipe and the France Football Group, recognizes those using football as a vehicle for social change.
This year, the honor was awarded to the Xana Foundation, an organization established by PSG manager Luis Enrique in memory of his daughter Xana, who passed away from bone cancer at age nine. The foundation supports children battling serious illnesses and their families. Princess Charlene presented the trophy to Sira Martínez, the foundation’s patron, who accepted the award on its behalf.
Charlene’s presence at the Ballon d’Or underscored her continued commitment to sport as a force for good, a cause she and Prince Albert have long championed through the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which promotes swimming safety, community values, and youth development.
Louis Vuitton once again designed the official trophy trunk for the Golden Ballon d’Or awards, continuing its longstanding partnership with France Football.
Princess Charlene’s affection for Louis Vuitton is no secret. She wore a custom jumpsuit by the fashion house to the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix and donned a Cinderella-blue off-the-shoulder Louis Vuitton gown at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival earlier this year.
She has also spoken candidly about the toll this took on her athletic lifestyle. “I walk, I cycle, I swim too, but not as much as before,” she told Gala magazine in 2024. “When I was young, I trained very hard… These days, it’s all about moderation. My spirit and heart might want to keep going, but my body says no.”