The world of women’s football has entered another historic awards race as France Football and UEFA officially unveiled the highly anticipated 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Recognising the finest individual performances across domestic leagues, continental competitions, and international football over the past season, this year’s shortlist brings together the sport’s biggest superstars, emerging icons, and influential figures who have shaped the modern women’s game.
With the prestigious awards ceremony scheduled for October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium Theatre, the battle for women’s football’s most coveted individual honour is officially underway.
🌟 The Complete 30-Player Shortlist
The 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees feature an extraordinary collection of talent from Europe’s biggest clubs, the NWSL, and rising football nations across the globe.
Among the confirmed nominees are:
- Selma Bacha (OL Lyonnes / France)
- Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride / Zambia)
- Klara Bühl (Bayern Munich / Germany)
- Esmee Brugts (FC Barcelona / Netherlands)
- Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal / Spain)
- Scarlett Camberos (Bay FC / Mexico)
- Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City / Netherlands)
- Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current / Malawi)
The remaining nominees complete a world-class group of players who have delivered outstanding performances across the biggest leagues and international competitions.
🏆 Global Stars, African Trailblazers and Rising Forces
Africa’s Growing Influence on the Global Stage
One of the biggest stories surrounding the 2026 shortlist is the continued rise of African women’s football.
Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga represent a new generation of African superstars breaking barriers at the highest level. Their inclusion highlights the increasing impact of African players in global club competitions and the growing strength of talent emerging from the continent.
Europe’s Elite Continue to Set the Standard
The shortlist once again reflects the dominance of Europe’s leading women’s football leagues, with stars from the English Women’s Super League (WSL), Liga F, Frauen-Bundesliga, and France’s top flight featuring prominently.
After another season filled with dramatic domestic title battles and intense UEFA Women’s Champions League competition, the nominees represent the highest standards of consistency, leadership, and individual brilliance.
The Road to London Begins
With voting panels now assessing performances from the past season, the countdown to the London ceremony has officially begun.
The eventual winner will join an exclusive list of legendary Women’s Ballon d’Or winners, following in the footsteps of players who have helped transform the global landscape of women’s football.
The question remains: Who has done enough to lift the golden prize in 2026?
Share your prediction and tell us who deserves to be crowned the next Women’s Ballon d’Or winner.
