France Football has announced the nominees for the Team of the Year award at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, revealing a striking absence of European powerhouses. In a surprise snub, neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona made the men's shortlist, despite their dominance in La Liga and continental competition. The omission marks a notable shift in how the prestigious award recognizes collective excellence across world football.
Men's Team of the Year Contenders
The five nominees competing for men's Team of the Year honours are Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodo/Glimt, Flamengo, and Paris Saint-Germain. This diverse selection spans Europe's premier leagues and South America, reflecting an effort to recognize excellence beyond traditional Champions League strongholds. Arsenal's inclusion signals recognition of their sustained Premier League title challenge, while Bayern Munich continues to represent Bundesliga and European pedigree. The inclusion of Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt and Brazilian outfit Flamengo demonstrates how exceptional domestic campaigns now merit consideration on football's biggest individual awards stage.
Women's Category and Full Shortlist
Bayern Munich secured a nomination in both the men's and women's Team of the Year categories, cementing their status as a consistent force in international football. The women's shortlist features Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Club América, Manchester City, and Olympique Lyonnais. Barcelona's appearance in the women's category, coupled with the men's exclusion, underscores the varying performances across the club's departments throughout the 2025-26 season.
The competitive nature of this year's selections reflects an exceptional period for global football. Last season delivered drama across Europe's five major leagues, the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, and World Cup qualifying campaigns. With nominees spanning multiple continents and competitions, the 2026 Ballon d'Or Team of the Year award promises genuine intrigue as voters weigh tactical innovation, trophy success, and collective performance metrics against established traditional powerhouses.
