NOMINEES 2026 WOMEN

Nominated for the prestigious 2026 Ballon d'Or, Scotland captain Caroline Weir opens a new chapter with French powerhouse OL Lyonnes, bringing world-class technique and quiet leadership to the French champions.

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, Belgian superstar Tessa Wullaert has sealed a record-breaking transfer to Como 1907 after cementing her status as one of Europe's most prolific and fearless forwards.

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after a spectacular domestic double and another WSL Golden Boot, Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw's uncompromising standards have reshaped Manchester City's identity.

Alessia Russo’s journey from the North Carolina Tar Heels to a 2026 Ballon d’Or nomination is a masterclass in development. Discover how the American collegiate system served as a finishing school for one of the world’s best strikers.

Discover the story of Bayern Munich’s star player who took the football world by storm in record time and earned a place amongst the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Shortlisted for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, Wendie Renard's journey from Caribbean heartbreak to European dominance stands as a masterclass in resilience and leadership.

An analysis of the darkest period in the Catalan footballer’s career and the mental transformation that enabled her to return to the very top of world football.

Shortlisted for the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or, Claudia Pina's meteoric rise, lethal finishing, and supreme tactical intelligence have placed her at the pinnacle of modern football.

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after leading Manchester City to WSL and FA Cup glory, Vivianne Miedema proves that true genius cannot be silenced by setback.

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or following a magical 33-goal campaign that culminated in Champions League glory in Oslo, Ewa Pajor's rise from a Polish farmyard to the pinnacle of world football is an enduring lesson in resilience.

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after a stellar campaign, Melvine Malard brings her infectious energy and proven winning pedigree from Manchester United to Chelsea.

At the age of 22, Manaka Matsukubo has already racked up a string of records and memorable moments in the NWSL. Now, the Japanese forward has taken another significant step in her career by receiving her first nomination for the Women’s Ballon d'Or.

The Aragonese centre-back, nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, marked a turning point in the recent history of Barça and women’s football in Spain. Find out how.

Before helping Brazil win titles and being nominated for the 2026 ‘Ballon d'Or’, Lorena Leite went through one of the toughest periods of her career.

This is the story of how a setback in 2017 spurred the young girl who dreamt of becoming Mia Hamm on to make her mark amongst the elite and become one of the best in the world.

Discover the story of the Manchester City midfielder, recognised for bringing Japanese football back to the world’s elite and for being nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Nominated for the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or, the Danish captain continues to showcase unmatched tactical intelligence, goalscoring precision, and relentless drive.

Named captain of FC Barcelona Femení and nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, Patri Guijarro continues to showcase her extraordinary talent and leadership.

From a young left-back in Bootle to double-winning captain at Manchester City, Alex Greenwood—recently nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or—continues to redefine defender excellence.

Before dominating European football and receiving her third consecutive nomination for the Ballon d'Or, the FC Barcelona forward made a decision that saved her career.