Flamengo's historic nomination pits South America against Europe for 2026 Ballon d'Or club award

Flamengo have been named one of the five nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or club award, with the ceremony set for 26 October in London. The Rubro-Negro are the sole representative from outside Europa, joining Arsenal, Bayern de Munique, Bodo/Glimt and Paris Saint-Germain.

Flamengo's trophy‑laden campaign

Under the guidance of former captain Filipe Luís, the Brazilian side lifted the Libertadores, the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Campeonato Carioca in 2025. The continental triumph marked the club's third Libertadores title in six years, following victories in 2019 and 2022.

These achievements placed Flamengo at the top of the Brasileiro and secured a place in the Libertadores quarter‑finals, where they will meet Independiente Del Valle as favourites. The club also added the Supercopa Rei to its 2025 haul, reinforcing its dominance in Brasil.

Leonardo Jardim, now at the helm, inherits a squad that has already proven its capacity to win both national and continental honours, a record that helped the Rubro-Negro secure a spot on the Ballon d'Or shortlist.

European giants in the running

Arsenal entered the race after clinching the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final, while Bayern de Munique claimed the German championship with only one defeat. Paris Saint‑Germain, fresh from a Champions League win and a French league title, aim to defend the prize they won last year.

Bodo/Glimt surprised many by reaching the Champions League round of 16, beating Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid in the group stage and eliminating Inter Milan in the playoffs with a 5‑2 aggregate.

France Football, the magazine that organises the award, introduced the club category in 2021, and no South American side has yet captured the honour. The previous Brazilian nominee, Botafogo, did not win.

The contrast between Flamengo’s South American resurgence and the established European powerhouses highlights a potential shift in the global football hierarchy. The club will learn the final verdict on 26 October, when the Ballon d'Or ceremony crowns its winner.