Ballon d’Or 2026: PSG, Arsenal, Bayern Munich make Club of Year shortlist
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New Delhi: Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt and Brazilian giants Flamengo have been nominated for the Men’s Club of the Year award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
PSG enter the race as the defending holders after a remarkable season in which the French club secured their second Champions League title. They also enjoyed a highly successful domestic and international campaign, adding the Ligue 1, French Super Cup, European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup to their trophy cabinet.
The Parisian side will be looking to retain the honour after establishing themselves among Europe’s leading clubs.
Arsenal have also made the shortlist after ending their long wait for the Premier League title. The Gunners secured the English championship after 22 years and capped a strong campaign with further progress in Europe.
Bayern Munich made the shortlist after another trophy-laden season in Germany. The Bavarian giants won the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup, underlining their continued dominance on the domestic front.
Bodo/Glimt are the surprise inclusion on the list. The Norwegian club earned recognition for an impressive campaign and also lifted the Norwegian Cup. Their nomination highlights the growing presence of clubs beyond Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
Flamengo complete the shortlist after an outstanding season in Brazil and across South America. The Rio de Janeiro club won the Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian Championship and the Rio de Janeiro State Championship.
The five clubs will compete for the prestigious Club of the Year award, with the winner set to be announced at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26.
PSG’s impressive haul of major international and domestic trophies makes them one of the leading contenders, while Arsenal and Bayern Munich also have strong cases following their successful campaigns.
With IANS inputs