Flamengo has a “year for the history books” recognized by France Football, earning a nomination for Club of the Year at the Ballon d’Or, highlighting its achievements and remarkable campaign.
Brazilian football gains prominence on the world stage with Flamengo recognized as one of the five finalists for the prestigious Club of the Year award for the 2025/26 season, presented by the Ballon d’Or. The renowned French publication France Football dedicated a special article to detailing the victorious journey of the Rio-based club, which will be honored at the awards ceremony in London on October 26th.
The Rubro-Negro‘s presence among the nominees is a significant milestone, making it the only South American representative on the shortlist. The France Football article highlights Flamengo’s “year for the history books,” emphasizing not only the titles but also the team’s performance and impact on domestic and continental football, underscoring the club’s strength and relevance.
Unprecedented Global Recognition
Titled “Flamengo, champions and stars of the show: the year for the history books,” the official Ballon d’Or publication praises the club’s performance. This global recognition underscores Flamengo‘s rise and consolidation as a football powerhouse, projecting the club’s brand and South American football onto the international stage.
A Season of Trebles and Records
The evaluation period for the Ballon d’Or, from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, was marked by a series of memorable achievements for the Mais Querido. During this period, Flamengo won the Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian Serie A, and secured a third consecutive Rio State Championship. Furthermore, the club had a notable campaign in the Intercontinental Cup, reinforcing its hegemony.
Winning both the Brazilian Serie A and the Copa Libertadores in the same season is a rare feat in football history, achieved only five times by Brazilian clubs. Flamengo in 2025 repeated the feat achieved by the Rubro-Negro itself in 2019, as well as teams like Botafogo (2024) and Santos (1962 and 1963), solidifying its place among the giants.
Tough Competition and World Stage Performance
In the race for the Club of the Year award, Flamengo faces heavyweights from the European scene: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Arsenal (ENG), Bayern Munich (GER), and Bodø/Glimt (NOR). The competition is fierce, but the Rio club’s presence is already a victory in itself.
Flamengo‘s performance in the Club World Cup, held in Qatar, was also a highlight mentioned by France Football. The team, under the command of Filipe Luís, drew 1-1 with the powerful PSG, falling only on penalties, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest global level.
Beyond Titles: The Award Criteria
The Ballon d’Or evaluation criteria for the Club of the Year award go beyond simple trophy counts. The award considers aspects such as sporting performance, memorable moments, campaigns that exceed expectations, and fair play, valuing the entire journey and the cultural impact of a club.
Scenario Analysis: European Favoritism and Filipe Luís’ Impact
The recognition of Filipe Luís‘ work as Flamengo‘s head coach was a crucial point highlighted by France Football. However, the prospect of winning is viewed with reservations by the M360 Team:
France Football was right to highlight Filipe Luís‘ contribution to Flamengo‘s nomination. However, being realistic, it is a challenge to overcome European favoritism in these awards—something that has manifested in other categories in the past, such as the controversial defeat of Vini Jr. in 2024.
Flamengo‘s nomination for Club of the Year by the Ballon d’Or, with the endorsement of France Football, is an irrefutable testament to a historic season and the excellence of Brazilian football. Regardless of the final result, the Rubro-Negro‘s inclusion among global giants already consolidates its position and propels the club toward a future of even more recognition and success.
