Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt, and Brazilian giants Flamengo have been shortlisted for the Men's Club of the Year award at the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with the winner set to be revealed at a ceremony in London on 26 October. The five-club shortlist spans four countries and three continents, reflecting a broader recognition of footballing excellence beyond Europe's traditional elite.

PSG: Defending Champions With a Case to Repeat

Paris Saint-Germain enter the race as the defending holders of the award, backed by one of the most trophy-laden seasons in the club's history. The French side claimed their second Champions League title and swept the domestic calendar, adding the Ligue 1, French Super Cup, European Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup to their collection. That haul of five major titles in a single campaign makes PSG among the strongest contenders to retain the honour.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich Bolster Their Claims

Arsenal earn their place on the shortlist after ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title. The Gunners' long-awaited return to the top of English football, combined with further progress in European competition, has made their nomination one of the more emotionally resonant stories of the footballing year.

Bayern Munich continue their tradition of silverware accumulation, winning the Bundesliga, German Cup, and German Super Cup — a domestic treble that underlines their enduring dominance within the German game. This is the Bavarian club's latest appearance among Europe's most-decorated sides in a single season.

Bodo/Glimt: The Surprise Package

The most unexpected name on the list is Bodo/Glimt. The Norwegian club's inclusion signals a meaningful shift in how the Ballon d'Or organisers are evaluating club excellence — moving beyond Champions League pedigree to recognise consistent domestic and cup success. Bodo/Glimt lifted the Norwegian Cup as part of an impressive campaign that earned them global recognition. Notably, their nomination marks a rare moment for a club outside football's conventional power corridors.

Flamengo Fly the Flag for South America

Flamengo round out the shortlist after a dominant season across South American football. The Rio de Janeiro club claimed the Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian Championship, and the Rio de Janeiro State Championship — a treble that reinforces their standing as the continent's premier club side. Their inclusion continues a growing trend of South American clubs receiving recognition at European-led football awards.

What Happens Next

The winner will be announced at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony on 26 October in London. PSG's unmatched haul of international silverware gives them a statistical edge, though Arsenal's historic Premier League triumph and Bayern's domestic treble ensure the vote is unlikely to be straightforward. All eyes will also be on whether Bodo/Glimt's surprise nomination translates into a genuine upset on the night.