Ballon d'Or Feminin 2026 Power Rankings: Alexia Putellas Leads New Contenders

Aitana Bonmati claimed the Ballon d'Or Feminin trophy for three consecutive years, but her injury-hit 2025-26 season means the award will crown a new player in 2026. The ceremony in London on Monday will see if two-time winner and fellow Barcelona star Alexia Putellas can reclaim the title or if a fresh name will emerge.

Bonmati suffered a fractured fibula in November 2025, which required surgery and sidelined her until May. She contributed to Barcelona's historic quadruple, including victory over Lyon in the Champions League final, yet her absence during key moments kept her from being nominated for a fourth Ballon d'Or.

Since 2026 isn't a World Cup year and the Africa Cup of Nations, won by Cameroon in August, does not count toward voting, performances in club football during the 2025-26 season dominate the rankings. The exception is players involved in the Asian Cup, which Japan won in March.

Top Contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Feminin

Cata Coll (Barcelona): Achieved 23 clean sheets, winning the UEFA Nations League, Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España, and Copa de la Reina. Coll’s crucial saves in the Champions League final against Lyon underlined her importance despite the dominant scoreline.
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal): Scored 7 goals and provided 5 assists, contributing to Arsenal’s UEFA Nations League and FIFA Women’s Champions Cup wins. Her deeper role at club level saw reduced attacking stats compared to last year, affecting her chances.
Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City): Netted 14 goals with 5 assists, helping City secure the Women's Super League and FA Cup. Despite injuries in previous seasons, she returned strongly in 2025-26, though City's lack of European football might limit her ranking.
Claudia Pina (Barcelona): Led Liga F with 32 goals and 9 assists, winning multiple trophies. A dip in form during critical matches, including Champions League knockouts, lowers her standing despite an overall stellar season.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): Recorded 18 goals and 4 assists, winning the NWSL Shield and Golden Boot. Her dominant performances in the NWSL and sustained excellence through 2026 keep her in contention despite league calendar differences.
Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City): Scored 6 goals and assisted 5 times, key to Japan’s Asian Cup victory and Man City’s domestic double. Her midfield dynamism earned her a spot on the longlist once again.
Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich): Produced 10 goals and 22 assists, instrumental in Bayern’s Bundesliga, DFB-Supercup, and DFB-Pokal treble. She maintained high performance despite a muscle injury hiatus.
Alessia Russo (Arsenal): Posted 29 goals and 10 assists. While Arsenal's Champions League semi-final exit and limited trophies may hinder her bid, Russo remains a potent offensive force.
Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona): Delivered 18 goals and 16 assists, winning several trophies with Barca. Her consistent contributions in Liga F and Champions League solidify her place among frontrunners.
Patri Guijarro (Barcelona): Returned strongly from injury with 4 goals and 10 assists, playing a vital role in Barcelona’s quadruple and earning another Ballon d'Or nomination.
Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich): Scored 34 goals with 14 assists, securing a domestic treble and shining in the Champions League quarter-finals. Harder remains a respected contender after many years at the top level.
Khadija Shaw (Manchester City): Led the WSL with 39 goals and 9 assists, winning league and FA Cup titles. Lack of European exposure may reduce votes, but her goal-scoring dominance cannot be overlooked.
Melchie Dumornay (Lyon): Notched 22 goals and 12 assists, instrumental in Lyon's domestic treble. Key performances in crucial cup finals and Champions League knockouts keep her among the best.
Ewa Pajor (Barcelona): Registered 33 goals and 7 assists, scoring in every Champions League knockout match en route to a quadruple. As the Gerd Muller Trophy holder, she’s a leading candidate.
Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses): Tallied 24 goals and 13 assists, driving Spain and Barcelona to multiple titles. Coming back strong from injuries, she remains the favorite for the 2026 award, having already won two Ballons d'Or and earned the Champions League Player of the Season.