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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.

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.

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.

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.

Having emerged from one of the most complex situations on the planet, the Haitian woman secured a nomination for the Ballon d'Or, driven by a promise she made to her people.

Cata Coll, nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has established herself as one of the world’s top female goalkeepers thanks to her composure, her ability to make crucial saves and her excellent footwork.

A comprehensive look at Kerstin Casparij's rapid ascent at Manchester City, her tactical dominance along the right flank, and her uncompromising voice off the pitch. All of which has led to a 2026 Ballon d'Or nomination.

63 goals in a single year, NWSL records and a career that has put Malawi on the women’s football map. Temwa Chaŵinga continues to make history – and her second nomination for the Women’s Ballon d’Or is yet another chapter in an extraordinary career.

Before finding success at América and being nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, the player had to leave Mexico due to online abuse, spearheaded a historic judicial reform, and returned home to become a champion.

Mariona Caldentey has received her third consecutive nomination for the Women’s Ballon d'Or. At the age of 30, the Spaniard has already built a career packed with titles and memorable moments.

Fresh off back-to-back silverware and featuring among the elite nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, Klara Bühl's journey from playing in youth garage setups to dominating Europe's grandest stages is a modern football fairytale.

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, Barcelona and Netherlands star Esmee Brugts has completed a seamless transformation into an elite attacking full-back.

From the Grange Blanche district to a nomination for the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or, Selma Bacha has built a reputation as one of world football's most dynamic left-sided forces.

This is the story of the striker who was barred from representing her country following an unfair decision and who now shines amongst the elite of world football.

Learn about the 2026 nominees for the Men's Young Talent of the Year Ballon d'Or™ Trophy