The first nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards have been announced, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and five other clubs making the cut for the Men’s and Women’s Club of the Year categories.
The early shortlists have set the stage for the prestigious ceremony, which will be held in London on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The Ballon d’Or honours outstanding achievements in football, recognising exceptional individual displays as well as the best-performing clubs and coaches.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich make women’s shortlist
Barcelona have been nominated for the Women’s Club of the Year award alongside Bayern Munich, Club América, Manchester City and OL Lyonnes.
The Spanish giants enter the race as one of the favourites after claiming the UEFA Women’s Champions League, further strengthening their case for the prestigious team award.
Club América have also earned recognition after their successful campaign in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup.
“The shortlist reflects some of the strongest club performances in women’s football over the past season,” the organisers indicated through the selection.
PSG face Arsenal, Bayern Munich
The Men’s Club of the Year category has produced another competitive five-team shortlist.
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodø/Glimt, Flamengo and reigning winners Paris Saint-Germain have all been nominated.
PSG will attempt to defend the prize after being recognised last year following their historic maiden UEFA Champions League triumph.
The French club’s continued success has once again placed them among the leading contenders.
However, they face competition from Bodø/Glimt, whose remarkable European campaign saw the Norwegian club reach the Champions League last 16.
Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Flamengo complete a shortlist that brings together clubs from Europe and South America.
More Ballon d’Or nominees expected
The announcement of the club categories is only the beginning of the 2026 Ballon d’Or nomination process.
More shortlists are expected to be released for several other awards, including the Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year prizes.
The goalkeeper categories will also be announced, with contenders for both the Men’s and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year awards expected to feature.
Young players will equally compete for recognition through the Men’s and Women’s Young Talent of the Year categories.
The main attraction will be the Men’s Ballon d’Or and Women’s Ballon d’Or races, with 30 players expected to be nominated in each category.
Winners of the individual awards will be determined through voting before the ceremony in London on October 26.
With the first shortlists now confirmed, attention will turn to the players and coaches hoping to join the club nominees among the 2026 Ballon d’Or finalists.