The 2026 edition of the Nexperia N.E.C. Nijmegen Cup once again delivered a weekend filled with elite youth football, international talent and high-level competition in Nijmegen, as Brazilian giants Palmeiras lifted the trophy after an impressive unbeaten campaign. 

Hosted at sportcomplex De Eendracht by N.E.C. Nijmegen in collaboration with Orange Veins, the tournament welcomed top academies from across Europe and South America, including Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen, Feyenoord, Malmö FF, Aalborg BK and Fredrikstad. 

This year marked the second edition of the fruitful partnership between N.E.C. Nijmegen and Orange Veins. The cooperation has rapidly grown into a strong international platform for elite youth development, attracting some of the biggest clubs and brightest talents in world football. Special compliments go to N.E.C. for their involvement, hospitality and highly professional collaboration throughout the organization of the event.

Palmeiras proved to be the standout team of the tournament. The Brazilian side won the final 3-0 against hosts N.E.C. Nijmegen, with Thauan scoring twice and Ruan Yago adding the third goal. Palmeiras completed the tournament without conceding a single goal, underlining their dominance across the weekend. 

Despite the defeat in the final, N.E.C. can look back with pride on an excellent tournament run and a well-deserved second place in front of their home crowd. The academy side showed resilience and quality against some of the strongest youth teams in international football. 

Individual awards also highlighted Palmeiras’ exceptional performances. Forward Thauan finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, while midfielder Ruan Yago was named Player of the Tournament. Goalkeeper Elias Burger from Bayer Leverkusen received recognition for his high-level performance. 

The Nexperia Cup continues to grow into one of Europe’s most exciting international youth tournaments. Following a successful first edition in 2025, won by Club NXT, the 2026 tournament further strengthened its reputation as a showcase for the next generation of football stars. 

With strong international participation, professional organization and a fantastic football atmosphere in Nijmegen, the second edition of the Nexperia Cup confirmed the tournament’s growing status on the global youth football calendar.