The race for football’s ultimate club honour has officially begun.

As part of the highly anticipated 70th Ballon d’Or 2026 celebrations, France Football and UEFA have unveiled the official shortlists for the Men’s and Women’s Club of the Year awards, recognising the teams that delivered the most outstanding collective performances during the 2025/26 season.

Celebrating tactical excellence, consistency, silverware, and global impact, the awards honour the clubs that set the benchmark for modern football. With the prestigious ceremony scheduled for October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium Theatre, here is a closer look at the nominees battling for club football’s biggest collective prize.

🏆 Ballon d’Or 2026 Men’s Club of the Year Nominees

The men’s shortlist brings together European giants, tactical innovators, and one of the greatest underdog stories in recent continental history.

🇫🇷 Paris Saint-Germain (France)

The reigning champions remain the team to beat. After another extraordinary campaign, Paris Saint-Germain are aiming to retain their Club of the Year crown following a season highlighted by another dominant UEFA Champions League triumph and a historic domestic treble.

Their incredible success was also reflected in individual recognition, with PSG producing one of the strongest representation lists among the Ballon d’Or nominees.

🏴 Arsenal (England)

Under the leadership of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal finally ended a 22-year wait for a league title, delivering a historic Premier League triumph.

The Gunners combined defensive stability with attacking brilliance throughout the season and enjoyed a memorable run to the UEFA Champions League final, re-establishing themselves among Europe’s elite.

🇩🇪 Bayern Munich (Germany)

A new era of dominance emerged in Bavaria as Bayern Munich returned to the top under Vincent Kompany.

The German giants secured the Bundesliga title with a thrilling attacking style, powered by a world-class squad and the goalscoring brilliance of Harry Kane, who claimed the European Golden Shoe.

🇳🇴 Bodø/Glimt (Norway)

Perhaps the most inspiring story on the shortlist, Bodø/Glimt captured worldwide attention with a remarkable European adventure.

The Norwegian champions shocked some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including victories over established giants, proving that ambition and tactical intelligence can challenge football’s traditional powers.

🇧🇷 Flamengo (Brazil)

Flamengo represent South America’s challenge against Europe’s dominance.

The Brazilian giants enjoyed a remarkable trophy-winning campaign under Filipe Luís, securing their third Copa Libertadores title in six years while also lifting the Campeonato Brasileiro trophy.

🌟 Ballon d’Or 2026 Women’s Club of the Year Nominees

The women’s shortlist reflects the continued global growth of the game, featuring clubs that dominated both domestic competitions and international stages.

🇪🇸 FC Barcelona (Spain)

After years of setting the standard in women’s football, FC Barcelona once again reached the summit.

The Catalan giants produced another unforgettable season, claiming the UEFA Women’s Champions League title while completing a remarkable domestic treble.

🇩🇪 Bayern Munich (Germany)

Bayern Munich’s women’s team enjoyed a season of exceptional consistency.

The German champions secured a domestic league and cup double while completing an unbeaten Frauen-Bundesliga campaign, showcasing their strength and tactical discipline.

🏴 Manchester City (England)

Manchester City earned recognition after a superb campaign in the highly competitive Women’s Super League.

Their success was built on consistency, squad depth, and tactical excellence as they battled against some of Europe’s strongest women’s teams.

🇫🇷 OL Lyonnes (France)

One of the most decorated names in women’s football, OL Lyonnes continue to represent excellence on the European stage.

With a rich history of success and a squad filled with elite talent, the French giants remain among the continent’s most respected clubs.

🇲🇽 Club América (Mexico)

Club América proudly represents the rise of women’s football beyond Europe.

Their impressive performances in the Concacaf W Champions Cup earned them global recognition and a place among the world’s leading women’s clubs.

🗓️ The Road to the Ballon d’Or 2026 Ceremony

The winners of the Men’s and Women’s Club of the Year awards will be revealed during the prestigious 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony on:

📅 Monday, October 26, 2026
📍 London Palladium Theatre, London

With some of the world’s greatest clubs competing for football’s ultimate team honour, the stage is set for another unforgettable Ballon d’Or celebration.

Which club deserves to be crowned the 2026 Club of the Year? Share your predictions and join the conversation ahead of the London gala.