Ballon d'Or Feminin 2026 Power Rankings: Alexia Putellas Eyes the Crown

Aitana Bonmati has taken home the last three Ballon d'Or Feminin awards, but in 2026 the trophy is poised to crown a new champion. After a fractured fibula sidelined Bonmati for much of the season, she missed out on a nomination, opening the door for others to stake their claim at Monday’s ceremony in London.

Despite Bonmati's absence, Barcelona secured a historic quadruple, including a Champions League final victory over Lyon. Yet, it was not enough for her to contend for a fourth consecutive Golden Ball. This award cycle is unique as no World Cup took place, and continental tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations do not count towards voting. The 2025-26 club season performances, alongside the Asian Cup participants’ displays, form the basis for this year’s rankings.

Top Contenders for the 2026 Award

Cata Coll (Barcelona): 23 clean sheets, winner of UEFA Nations League, Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España & Copa de la Reina. A goalkeeper who often had little to do, but shone in key moments such as the Champions League final with four vital saves.
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal): 7 goals, 5 assists, won UEFA Nations League & FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Last year’s runner-up experienced a dip in attacking numbers due to a deeper role, impacting her chances despite her continued influence.
Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City): 14 goals, 5 assists, clinched Women’s Super League & FA Cup. Returning from injury, she played a crucial part in City’s first WSL title in a decade, maintaining her reputation as one of the world’s best forwards.
Claudia Pina (Barcelona): 32 goals, 9 assists, captured UEFA Nations League, Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España & Copa de la Reina. Despite a slight slowdown late season, she dominated Liga F and was a key contributor throughout Barcelona’s quadruple-winning campaign.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): 18 goals, 4 assists, NWSL Shield & Golden Boot winner. Her outstanding form earned her back-to-back MVP awards in the NWSL and a strong presence despite NWSL’s calendar challenges in Ballon d’Or considerations.
Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City): 6 goals, 5 assists, Asian Cup, Women’s Super League & FA Cup winner. A midfield dynamo, she helped Japan to an Asian Cup triumph and played a central role in Manchester City’s domestic success.
Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich): 10 goals, 22 assists, Bundesliga, DFB-Supercup & DFB-Pokal winner. Despite injury setbacks, her assist record and contributions helped Bayern secure another treble and propelled her Ballon d’Or nomination.
Alessia Russo (Arsenal): 29 goals, 10 assists, FIFA Women’s Champions Cup winner. Her personal best numbers were offset by Arsenal’s earlier exit in Europe and fewer trophies compared to last year’s campaign.
Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona): 18 goals, 16 assists, won Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España & Copa de la Reina. A key figure for Barca, leading Liga F in assists and performing strongly in Champions League knockout stages.
Patri Guijarro (Barcelona): 4 goals, 10 assists, Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España & Copa de la Reina winner. Returned from injury to make decisive contributions, including a standout assist in the Champions League final.
Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich): 34 goals, 14 assists, Bundesliga, DFB-Supercup & DFB-Pokal champion. Continues to impress with consistent high-level performances, playing a major role in Bayern’s domestic treble and Denmark’s World Cup qualification.
Khadija Shaw (Manchester City): 39 goals, 9 assists, Women’s Super League & FA Cup winner. Top scorer in the WSL, instrumental in City’s league and cup victories despite no European competition.
Melchie Dumornay (Lyon): 22 goals, 12 assists, Premiere Ligue, Coupe de la Ligue & Coupe de France champion. A standout player for Lyon, delivering in crucial matches and helping Lyon secure a domestic treble and reach the Champions League final.
Ewa Pajor (Barcelona): 33 goals, 7 assists, Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España & Copa de la Reina winner. A prolific scorer in key games, including all five Champions League knockout matches and the final itself.
Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses): 24 goals, 13 assists, winner of UEFA Women’s Nations League, Champions League, Liga F, Supercopa de España & Copa de la Reina. Returning from injury, Putellas led Barcelona and Spain to multiple titles, maintaining her status as the favorite to claim the 2026 Ballon d’Or Feminin.