Ballon d'Or 2026: Every Club Battling for the Prestigious Club of the Year Crown Revealed

The complete list of nominees for the 2026 Club of the Year has been revealed, with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain looking to claim consecutive titles.

The award is not purely based on on-pitch performance, but also considers a variety of criteria including silverware collected, standout moments, exceeding expectations and fair play conduct.

PSG claimed the 2025 honor after establishing themselves as European royalty and, having successfully defended their Champions League title last season, will be among the frontrunners to be named Men's Club of the Year once more in London on Oct. 26.

Challenging PSG for the accolade are Arsenal, who secured their first Premier League title in 22 years under Mikel Arteta before losing to the French side on penalties in the Champions League final. The Gunners are strong contenders to defend their domestic title following an impressive start to the campaign and will be eager to end their long wait for European success in 2027.

Bundesliga title-holders Bayern Munich are also in contention, having delivered some of the most breathtaking attacking football witnessed anywhere in the world, powered by the goals of England forward Harry Kane, who is considered a leading candidate for the Ballon d'Or following his remarkable performances. Vincent Kompany's squad played out a Champions League semifinal against PSG that will go down in history as one of the greatest European encounters ever witnessed.

Completing the shortlist are Champions League surprise package Bodø/Glimt, who turned heads by eliminating both Atlético Madrid and Manchester City despite being heavy underdogs, and Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo, who lifted the Copa Libertadores for the third time in six years while also claiming the Campeonato Brasileiro crown.

The Women's Club of the Year award was introduced in 2023. Barcelona claimed the opening two honors before Arsenal seized the trophy in 2025 following their triumphant Champions League campaign.

Barcelona are once again among the top contenders, having captured the European crown alongside a domestic treble to cement their status as the dominant force in women's football across Europe.

They are joined in the running by German champions Bayern Munich, English title-holders Manchester City, French champions OL Lyonnes and Concacaf W Champions Cup victors Club América.

2026 Men's Club of the Year Award Nominees in Full

2026 Women's Club of the Year Award Nominees in Full