nigeriasport.ng

Ballon d'Or Feminin 2026 Power Rankings: Alexia Putellas Set to End Aitana Bonmati’s Reign

Aitana Bonmati has dominated the last three Ballon d'Or Feminin awards, but an injury-plagued 2026 season means a new winner will be crowned. The ceremony in London on Monday will see either two-time winner and fellow Barcelona star Alexia Putellas reclaim her status or introduce a fresh name to the prestigious honor.

Bonmati suffered a fractured fibula last November requiring surgery and sidelined her until May. Although she contributed to Barcelona's historic quadruple victory, including the Champions League final win over Lyon, her absence from much of the season prevented her from even earning a nomination this year.

With no World Cup held this year and the Africa Cup of Nations not counting towards voting, performances during the 2025-26 club season and the Asian Cup (won by Japan) are central to the award decisions.

Top Contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Feminin

  • Cata Coll (Barcelona): 23 clean sheets; titles include UEFA Nations League, Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España, Copa de la Reina. Coll’s standout moment was the Champions League final where she made four crucial saves to secure a 4-0 win against Lyon, earning respect in her first Ballon d'Or nomination.
  • Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal): 7 goals, 5 assists; won UEFA Nations League and FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Despite a less prolific season due to a deeper midfield role and Arsenal’s semi-final exit in the Champions League, she remains a notable contender.
  • Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City): 14 goals, 5 assists; won Women’s Super League and FA Cup. After injuries kept her off recent shortlists, Miedema's key role in City’s league title and FA Cup success brought her back into nomination.
  • Claudia Pina (Barcelona): 32 goals, 9 assists; achieved UEFA Nations League, Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España, Copa de la Reina wins. Although she experienced a scoring dip late in the season, her Golden Boot-winning campaign keeps her high in rankings.
  • Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): 18 goals, 4 assists; secured NWSL Shield and Golden Boot twice. Her outstanding NWSL performances make her a respected nominee despite limited international tournament impact in the voting period.
  • Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City): 6 goals, 5 assists; won Asian Cup, Women’s Super League, FA Cup. A vital presence in midfield and instrumental in Japan’s Asian Cup triumph, Hasegawa’s versatility strengthened her case.
  • Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich): 10 goals, 22 assists; Bundesliga, DFB-Supercup, DFB-Pokal winner. Overcame injury setbacks to deliver impressive stats and play a major part in Bayern’s domestic treble.
  • Alessia Russo (Arsenal): 29 goals, 10 assists; won FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. While individual numbers improved, Arsenal’s early Champions League exit and fewer trophies than last year may limit her votes.
  • Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona): 18 goals, 16 assists; captured Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España, Copa de la Reina. Leading Liga F in assists and performing strongly in knockout stages, Hansen is a key figure again.
  • Patri Guijarro (Barcelona): 4 goals, 10 assists; titles include Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España, Copa de la Reina. Returned from a foot injury with impactful performances, highlighted by her assist in the Champions League final.
  • Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich): 34 goals, 14 assists; Bundesliga, DFB-Supercup, DFB-Pokal winner. Harder’s consistent excellence helped Bayern complete another treble and led Denmark to automatic World Cup qualification, boosting her ranking.
  • Khadija Shaw (Manchester City): 39 goals, 9 assists; won Women’s Super League and FA Cup. Shaw’s goal-scoring dominance propelled City to their first league title in a decade and saw her excel in the FA Cup final.
  • Melchie Dumornay (Lyon): 22 goals, 12 assists; secured Premiere Ligue, Coupe de la Ligue, Coupe de France. A key player in Lyon’s domestic treble and Champions League run, Dumornay’s standout moments include decisive goals in finals and knockout matches.
  • Ewa Pajor (Barcelona): 33 goals, 7 assists; clinched Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España, Copa de la Reina. Pajor scored in all five Champions League knockout games, including two goals in the final, reinforcing her status as a top contender.
  • Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses): 24 goals, 13 assists; won UEFA Women’s Nations League, Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España, Copa de la Reina. Coming off a near-perfect 2024-25 season, Putellas carried that form into 2025-26, leading Barcelona’s quadruple win and earning early honors like Champions League Player of the Season. She is the favorite to claim the 2026 Ballon d'Or Feminin.

Related Articles