FC Bayern has reason to celebrate another international accolade. The German record champion has been nominated for the “Men’s Club of the Year” award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or Awards.
The nomination was announced on Tuesday as part of the reveal of the candidates for this year’s Ballon d’Or awards. In addition to numerous individual awards, the most successful club of the past year will also be honored.
The competition for the Munich-based club is certainly formidable. Alongside Bayern, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Flamengo, and Bodø/Glimt are on the list of the five nominees.
For FC Bayern, the nomination is further recognition of an extremely successful 2025–26 season. Under Vincent Kompany, the Munich-based team won the domestic double—the German championship and the DFB Cup—and also reached the semifinals of the Champions League.
Bayern is competing against four other clubs for the award
With this nomination, the record champions find themselves in a diverse international field of contenders. Alongside Bayern, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain represent the European elite. Rounding out the field are the storied Brazilian club Flamengo and the Norwegian surprise team Bodø/Glimt.
The Norwegians’ nomination is particularly noteworthy. Bodø/Glimt caused quite a stir internationally last season and, of all times, will face FC Bayern on Thursday to kick off the new Champions League season.
For the Munich club, the Ballon d’Or nomination is also proof that their on-field progress under Kompany is being recognized internationally. The Belgian took over Bayern in the summer of 2024 and steered the club back to success after a season without a title.
Last season, the team ultimately clinched the double. The only major international achievement that eluded them was a Champions League title, as Bayern were eliminated in the semifinals.
The Ballon d’Or gala will take place in late October
The winner of the award for best men’s club will be announced during the grand Ballon d’Or ceremony. The 70th edition of the prestigious event will take place on October 26, 2026.
Today, Tuesday, the nominees in the various categories will first be announced. In addition to the Ballon d’Or itself for the world’s best soccer player, other individual and team awards will also be presented.
For FC Bayern, the gala could therefore be of interest for several reasons. Harry Kane, too, can hope for a major individual award following his outstanding season last year.