International recognition: Flamengo is nominated for the Ballon d’Or for Best Team. Club officials celebrate and highlight Filipe Luís‘s legacy during a golden era.
Flamengo has reached a new level of global prominence after being nominated for the 2025/26 Ballon d’OrBest Team of the Season award, presented by France Football. The nomination, which places the Rio de Janeiro club among the five finalists, is an unprecedented achievement for a South American team, reaffirming the strength and success of the Rubro-Negro sports project.
The achievement resonated deeply within the club, with Director of Football José Boto and current head coach Leonardo Jardim expressing great pride in the distinction. Both underscored the importance of the nomination for Flamengo‘s image in world football, with Boto making a point to credit part of this success to former manager Filipe Luís.
José Boto celebrates historic nomination
In a video released by the club, José Boto did not hide his satisfaction. The Portuguese director classified the award as the most significant for clubs and highlighted the honor of seeing a South American team in contention. He emphasized that the nomination is a collective recognition.
“It is a source of great pride. This is the most important award for clubs, presented by France Football, and to see a South American club nominated is an honor for all of us working in Flamengo‘s football department.“
stated José Boto. The director added that the nomination is the result of President BAP’s administration, the work of Filipe Luís, and now Leonardo Jardim, highlighting everyone’s commitment to elevating the club to European standards.
Leonardo Jardim praises Flamengo’s global impact
Current head coach Leonardo Jardim echoed José Boto‘s sentiment of pride. He celebrated Flamengo‘s inclusion among the best in the world, highlighting the global impact of the award and the appreciation of the effort from everyone involved in the club’s day-to-day operations.
“I am very satisfied with the nomination for club of the year, a trophy with enormous impact in world football. It is a great pleasure to work at Flamengo and to see everyone who, in various areas, helped the club reach this level recognized.”
said Leonardo Jardim. The coach also noted that the nomination sends a powerful message to the fans, confirming Flamengo as one of the most representative clubs on the planet.
The campaign that led to the nomination
The Ballon d’Or selection considers the performance of clubs from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. During this period, Flamengo shone brightly, winning the 2025 Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Serie A. The Brazilian club is competing against giants such as Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Arsenal (ENG), Bayern Munich (GER), and the surprise package Bodø/Glimt (NOR).
Filipe Luís’s winning legacy
The mention of Filipe Luís by José Boto underscores the importance of his tenure as coach. The former full-back led Flamengo to significant achievements, including the Campeonato Carioca, the Supercopa do Brasil, the Brazilian Serie A, and the Libertadores. He was also in charge of the Mengão for the Club World Cup final against PSG. Currently, Filipe Luís manages Monaco (FRA), maintaining an unbeaten streak with the European team.
Leonardo Jardim’s Flamengo
Under the guidance of Leonardo Jardim, who took over after Filipe Luís‘s departure, Flamengo remains at the top. The club leads the Brazilian Serie A and is preparing for a crucial Libertadores clash. The next challenge will be against Independiente del Valle (ECU) in the first leg of the quarterfinals, which will take place this Thursday (10) in Quito, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time).
Flamengo‘s Ballon d’Or nomination solidifies its position as a football powerhouse, not just in South America, but on a global scale. The recognition from France Football reflects years of investment and hard work, from the glories under Filipe Luís to the maintenance of excellence with Leonardo Jardim.
The club now awaits the award ceremony while focusing on further achievements this season, aiming to advance in the Libertadores and maintain the lead in the Brazilian Serie A. The visibility gained reinforces the expansion potential of the Flamengo brand and inspires a new generation of talent in Brazilian and world football.
