Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich headline the men's shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Club of the Year award, with the French champions seeking back-to-back honors following their second Champions League triumph. The prestigious recognition rewards excellence across Europe's elite clubs, with the nominees representing a mix of continental dominance and stunning overachievement.
Men's Club of the Year Contenders
PSG enter the race as defending champions after capturing the 2025 award on the back of their maiden European title. Now chasing consecutive crowns, the Ligue 1 giants face stiff opposition from Arsenal, who ended a 22-year Premier League drought under Mikel Arteta's guidance. The Gunners' domestic resurgence marks one of English football's most significant achievements in recent seasons, positioning them as genuine contenders for the club prize.
Bayern Munich bring their own credentials after implementing a tactical overhaul under Vincent Kompany. The Bavarian powerhouse, energized by England captain Harry Kane's prolific finishing, has produced some of Europe's most attacking football. Kane himself ranks among the individual Ballon d'Or frontrunners, reflecting Bayern's commanding presence at the continent's highest level.
The shortlist is completed by Bodo/Glimt and Flamengo, two clubs representing football's global reach. The Norwegian side's Champions League run—highlighted by victories over Atletico Madrid and Manchester City—exemplifies exceptional overachievement. Meanwhile, Flamengo captured the Campeonato Brasileiro and claimed their third Copa Libertadores crown in six years, establishing South American dominance.
Women's Category: Barcelona's Return
Barcelona dominate the women's shortlist after winning a domestic treble and securing another Champions League title. Having claimed the award in 2023 and 2024 before losing to Arsenal in 2025, the Catalan club seeks immediate restoration to the summit of women's football. Manchester City and Bayern Munich provide English and German representation, alongside OL Lyonnais and Club America, who triumphed in the Concacaf W Champions Cup.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or gala will determine which clubs receive recognition for their extraordinary seasons, with PSG's bid for consecutive honors and Barcelona's quest for redemption creating compelling narratives heading into the ceremony.
