Palmeiras dominates 2026 Confut Sudamericana awards

The 2026 Confut Sudamericana awards, held in Rio de Janeiro, recognized key professionals, clubs, and companies driving the South American football industry. Palmeiras emerged as a dominant force, winning six of the 32 categories, including Best Management Practices and Best Innovation/Technology Action.

Palmeiras president Leila Pereira was honored as the Best Executive/Manager, winning the category for Statutory Manager, Owner, or Club President. Other Palmeiras professionals recognized include Anderson Barros as Best Football Executive and João Paulo Sampaio as Best Youth Football Professional.

Other Brazilian clubs and entities also received awards, such as Flamengo for Best Membership Program, Santos for Best Club TV, and Corinthians for Best Sustainable Social or Inclusion Action. The awards were determined by a combination of a specialist jury (two-thirds of the vote) and public voting (one-third).