Alexia Putellas Leads 2026 Ballon d’Or Feminin Shortlist as Aitana Bonmati Misses Out
Alexia Putellas enters Monday’s ceremony at the London Palladium as the heavy favorite to claim the Ballon d’Or Féminin, stepping into a field that notably lacks compatriot and three-time winner Aitana Bonmati. Bonmati missed the majority of the 2025–26 season due to injury, leaving the Barcelona midfielder off the 30-nominee shortlist announced ahead of the October 26 event in London.
The absence of Bonmati opens the door for Putellas to capture her third career Golden Ball, adding to consecutive awards she collected in 2021 and 2022. During the 2025–26 campaign, Putellas registered 24 goals and 13 assists. Her output helped guide Barcelona to a historic quadruple, encompassing the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Liga F, the Spanish Cup, and the Spanish Supercopa, alongside a UEFA Women’s Nations League title with Spain.
Barcelona Core and International Rivals Fill the 30-Player Shortlist
Despite Putellas transferring to the London City Lionesses over the summer, Barcelona remains heavily represented among the nominees after their domestic and European sweep. Seven players from the Catalan club appear on the 30-woman list, including Spain midfielder Patricia Guijarro, Norway forward Caroline Graham Hansen, and Polish striker Ewa Pajor, who scored twice in the Champions League final against Lyon.
Beyond the Spanish champions, several international stars contend for high placements in the final voting. Bayern Munich’s Pernille Harder, Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey, and Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw anchor the list of global challengers. Lyon also places strong contenders in the mix, led by Haiti international Melchie Dumornay, who contributed 16 goals and 8 assists for the club, and Malawi forward Tabitha Chawinga following her run to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
French Contenders Secure Nominations Ahead of World Cup Year
Three French players earned spots on the shortlist, though none are projected to challenge for the primary trophy. Lyon defender Selma Bacha—who finished 14th in the 2022 voting—is joined by club teammate and veteran captain Wendie Renard, who placed sixth in 2019. Chelsea forward Melvine Malard rounds out the French contingent, earning her first career nomination following strong performances for Manchester United and the France national team during a pre-World Cup cycle.
The winner of the Ballon d’Or Féminin will be revealed on Monday evening alongside the men’s trophy recipient at the London Palladium.
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