The Ballon d’Or Féminin 2025 shortlist has officially been unveiled — and it’s stacked with the biggest names in women’s football.
From World Cup winners and domestic league champions to rising stars lighting up Europe and beyond,
this year's nominees represent the very best of the women’s game.
The prestigious award, created by France Football, will crown the best female footballer of the year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on September 22, 2025, in Paris.
Here's everything you need to know, including the full list of nominees and key takeaways.
🏆 What Is the Ballon d’Or Féminin?
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Established in 2018, the Ballon d’Or Féminin honors the most outstanding female footballer each calendar year.
Past winners include Ada Hegerberg, Megan Rapinoe, Alexia Putellas, and Aitana Bonmatí, who claimed the award in 2022 and 2023.
The winner is chosen by an international panel of journalists, coaches,
and national team captains — making it the most coveted individual prize in women’s football.
📋 Full List of 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin Nominees
Here are the 30 players shortlisted for the 2025 Women's Ballon d’Or:
Sandy Baltimore (France, Chelsea)
Barbra Banda (Zambia, Orlando Pride)
Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)
Lucy Bronze (England, Chelsea)
Klara Bühl (Germany, Bayern)
Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Arsenal)
Sofia Cantore (Italy, Juventus/Washington Spirit)
Steph Catley (Australia, Arsenal)
Temwa Chawinga (Malawi, Kansas City)
Melchie Dumornay (Haiti, OL Lyonnes)
Emily Fox (United States, Arsenal)
Cristiana Girelli (Italy, Juventus)
Esther González (Spain, Gotham FC)
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)
Patri Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)
Amanda Gutierres (Brazil, Palmeiras)
Hannah Hampton (England, Chelsea)
Pernille Harder (Denmark, Bayern)
Lindsey Heaps (United States, OL Lyonnes)
Chloe Kelly (England, Manchester City/Arsenal)
Frida Maanum (Norway, Arsenal)
Marta (Brazil, Orlando Pride)
Clara Mateo (France, Paris FC)
Ewa Pajor (Poland, Barcelona)
Clàudia Pina (Spain, Barcelona)
Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)
Alessia Russo (England, Arsenal)
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Sweden, Chelsea)
Caroline Weir (Scotland, Real Madrid)
Leah Williamson (England, Arsenal)
🔍 Key Highlights
🇪🇸 Spanish Supremacy Continues
Spain dominates the list once again with 5 nominees, led by Barcelona trio Bonmatí, Putellas, and Esther González.
Their consistent dominance in Liga F and Champions League makes them strong contenders.
🏴 England’s Arsenal Core
Arsenal has a strong showing with Russo, Kelly, Fox, Catley, and Caldentey Lucy Bronze all featured.
This comes on the back of a strong Women’s Super League season and a champion of Euro 2025.
🌍 Global Representation
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The list celebrates diversity with nominees from Africa (Barbra Banda, Temwa Chawinga),
South America (Marta, Gutierres, Dumornay), and Asia (Chawinga) — showing the game’s growing global reach.
👑 Legends & New Faces
Icons like Marta continue to inspire while the inclusion of Melchie Dumornay, Baltimore,
and Cantore signals a bright future for women’s football.
🌟 Who Are the Favorites?
While many names are deserving, the front-runners include:
Aitana Bonmatí – Dominated both domestically and in Europe again for Barcelona.
Alexia Putellas – A two-time winner and key figure for club and country.
Barbra Banda – One of the standout players in the NWSL and Olympic qualifiers.
Chloe Kelly – A key player in England’s Euro 2025 campaign.
📆 When Will the Winner Be Announced?
The winner of the 2025 Women’s Ballon d'Or will be crowned during the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
🗣️ Final Thoughts
The 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees list shows how far women’s football has come — from continental stars to global icons.
With players breaking records, lifting trophies, and inspiring millions, this year’s ceremony promises to be unforgettable.
Stay tuned as we cover the countdown to the biggest night in world football!
📣 Join the Conversation
Who should win the 2025 Ballon d'Or Féminin?
Drop your pick in the comments or tag us on social media with #BallonDor2025.