Alexia Putellas and Claudia Pina currently lead the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin, while record holder Aitana Bonmatí faces an unfamiliar challenge after an injury-disrupted season. The prestigious award, presented annually by France Football, will be handed out on 26 October 2026, with London hosting the ceremony for the first time.
Since its introduction in 2018, the Ballon d’Or Féminin has become the highest individual honour in women’s football. The award has recognised some of the sport’s greatest players, but in recent years one club has dominated the conversation: FC Barcelona. Led by Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí, the Spanish giants have produced nearly every recent winner, establishing one of the most successful eras in the history of the women’s game.
The 2026 edition, however, could mark the beginning of a new chapter.
Unlike previous seasons, there is no FIFA Women’s World Cup, UEFA Women’s EURO or Olympic tournament to influence the voting. As a result, performances throughout the 2025/26 club season—particularly in the UEFA Women’s Champions League—are expected to carry significantly more weight than international matches.
With Bonmatí returning from a lengthy injury absence and several emerging stars enjoying outstanding campaigns, this year’s race appears far more open than in recent seasons.
For the latest men’s rankings, see our Ballon d’Or 2026 Favourites guide.
Ballon d’Or Féminin 2026 at a Glance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Ceremony | 26 October 2026 (London) |
| 👑 Defending champion | Aitana Bonmatí |
| ⭐ Leading favourites | Alexia Putellas, Claudia Pina |
| 🗳 Voting panel | 100 international football journalists |
| 📅 Evaluation period | 2025/26 season |
| 🌍 Major international tournament | None |
| 🏛 First awarded | 2018 |
| 🥇 Record holder | Aitana Bonmatí (3 awards) |
What is the Ballon d’Or Féminin?
The Ballon d’Or Féminin is awarded annually by France Football to the world’s best female footballer. Since its launch in 2018, it has become the sport’s most prestigious individual accolade, recognising sustained excellence over an entire season rather than success in a single tournament.
The 2026 ceremony will be held in London for the first time, bringing together the world’s best players from both the men’s and women’s game.
Because there is no major international tournament in 2026, domestic league performances, domestic cup competitions and the UEFA Women’s Champions League are expected to play a decisive role in determining this year’s winner.
Why is the Ballon d’Or Féminin the Most Prestigious Award in Women’s Football?
Few honours carry as much prestige as the Ballon d’Or Féminin.
Presented by France Football, the award recognises the player who has consistently performed at the highest level throughout the season. Unlike many other individual accolades, the Ballon d’Or places significant emphasis on sustained excellence rather than short-term form.
Following changes to the voting criteria, journalists now assess performances across the entire football season instead of the calendar year. This gives greater importance to consistency, influence in decisive matches, team success and overall contribution.
Winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin is widely regarded as the highest individual achievement in women’s football.
How Does Ballon d’Or Féminin Voting Work?
The winner is selected by a panel of 100 international football journalists, each representing a different country.
Voters evaluate several key criteria, including:
- Individual performances
- Team achievements
- Consistency throughout the season
- Influence in important matches
- Fair play and sporting conduct
Because there is no major international tournament in 2026, club competitions will have an even greater impact on the final outcome than they did in previous years.
Why is the 2026 Race So Fascinating?
The 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable editions since the award was introduced.
For the first time in several years, Aitana Bonmatí is no longer considered the overwhelming favourite. The three-time winner missed a significant portion of the season after suffering a fractured fibula, reducing both her playing time and her statistical output.
At the same time, several players have stepped forward with outstanding campaigns.
Barcelona teammates Alexia Putellas and Claudia Pina headline the current shortlist, while stars from England, France and Germany remain firmly in contention depending on how the closing stages of the season unfold.
With no international tournament to reshape opinions, performances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout rounds are expected to prove decisive.
Who is the Defending Ballon d’Or Féminin Winner?
Aitana Bonmatí enters 2026 as both the defending champion and the most decorated player in the history of the award.
After winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2023, 2024 and 2025, the Barcelona midfielder became the first footballer ever to claim the trophy three consecutive times.
Her achievements have helped define one of the greatest eras in women’s football, with Barcelona establishing themselves as Europe’s dominant club.
Although injury is likely to prevent her from adding a fourth consecutive title this year, Bonmatí remains one of the sport’s most influential players and its current benchmark for excellence.
Ballon d’Or Féminin Record Winners
| Rank | Player | Titles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aitana Bonmatí | 3 |
| 2 | Alexia Putellas | 2 |
| 3 | Ada Hegerberg | 1 |
| 3 | Megan Rapinoe | 1 |
Since the award’s introduction in 2018, only four players have lifted the Ballon d’Or Féminin. Barcelona’s dominance has been particularly remarkable, with the club producing five winners across the last six completed editions.
Ballon d’Or Féminin 2026 Power Rankings
With no major international tournament taking place this year, the rankings are based almost entirely on performances at club level.
| Rank | Player | Club | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexia Putellas | FC Barcelona | Spain |
| 2 | Claudia Pina | FC Barcelona | Spain |
| 3 | Aitana Bonmatí | FC Barcelona | Spain |
| 4 | Emerging contender | Arsenal / Chelsea | England |
| 5 | Emerging contender | Leading European club | — |
These rankings will be updated regularly until the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October.
Ballon d’Or Féminin 2026 Favourites: Player Profiles
1. Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona, Spain)
2025/26 season: 22 goals, 11 assists
Alexia Putellas has firmly re-established herself as one of the world’s best footballers after overcoming the serious knee injuries that interrupted the peak of her career.
The two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner has enjoyed an outstanding campaign, combining creativity, leadership and remarkable consistency throughout the season. Whether controlling the tempo in midfield or producing decisive moments in front of goal, Putellas has once again become Barcelona’s driving force.
Her experience has proved invaluable during a season in which several teammates spent time on the sidelines. Beyond her impressive statistics, she continues to dictate matches with her vision, technical quality and ability to perform under pressure.
Should Putellas lift the trophy again in October, she would become only the second player in history to win the Ballon d’Or Féminin three times.
2. Claudia Pina (FC Barcelona, Spain)
2025/26 season: 25 goals, 9 assists
No player has enhanced her reputation more during the 2025/26 season than Claudia Pina.
The Barcelona forward has produced the most prolific campaign of her career, establishing herself as one of Europe’s most clinical finishers. Her intelligent movement, composure inside the penalty area and ability to score in high-pressure matches have transformed her from a promising talent into a genuine Ballon d’Or contender.
Much of her final ranking will depend on Barcelona’s success in the closing stages of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Outstanding performances on Europe’s biggest club stage could elevate her from breakout star to Ballon d’Or winner.
At just the right point in her career, Pina appears ready to challenge the established stars of the women’s game.
3. Aitana Bonmatí (FC Barcelona, Spain)
2025/26 season: Injury-shortened campaign
Although Aitana Bonmatí is unlikely to secure a fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, her place among football’s modern greats is already assured.
A fractured fibula forced the reigning champion to miss a significant portion of the season, limiting both her appearances and overall influence compared with previous years. Even after returning towards the end of the campaign, the reduced playing time is expected to affect her chances in this year’s voting.
Nevertheless, Bonmatí remains one of the most complete midfielders in world football. Her intelligence, technical excellence and ability to control the biggest matches continue to set the standard for the position.
Regardless of the outcome in October, her three consecutive Ballon d’Or titles represent one of the greatest individual achievements in women’s football history.
Previous Ballon d’Or Féminin Winners
| Year | Winner | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Aitana Bonmatí | FC Barcelona |
| 2024 | Aitana Bonmatí | FC Barcelona |
| 2023 | Aitana Bonmatí | FC Barcelona |
| 2022 | Alexia Putellas | FC Barcelona |
| 2021 | Alexia Putellas | FC Barcelona |
| 2020 | No award (COVID-19 pandemic) | — |
| 2019 | Megan Rapinoe | Reign FC |
| 2018 | Ada Hegerberg | Olympique Lyon |
Ballon d’Or Féminin Record Winners
| Player | Titles |
|---|---|
| Aitana Bonmatí | 3 |
| Alexia Putellas | 2 |
| Ada Hegerberg | 1 |
| Megan Rapinoe | 1 |
Since the award was introduced in 2018, only four players have won the Ballon d’Or Féminin. Barcelona’s remarkable dominance is reflected by the fact that the club has produced five winners across the competition’s history, highlighting its status as the leading force in modern women’s football.
Ballon d’Or Féminin Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Ballon d’Or Féminin introduced |
| 2018 | Ada Hegerberg becomes the inaugural winner |
| 2021 | Alexia Putellas wins her first Ballon d’Or |
| 2022 | Putellas becomes the first two-time winner |
| 2023 | Aitana Bonmatí begins her historic winning streak |
| 2025 | Bonmatí claims a record third consecutive award |
| 2026 | The most open Ballon d’Or race in years is expected |
Ballon d’Or Féminin vs Ballon d’Or
Although both awards are presented during the same ceremony by France Football, the 2026 editions are shaped by very different circumstances.
| Ballon d’Or Féminin | Ballon d’Or |
|---|---|
| Established in 2018 | Established in 1956 |
| Best female footballer of the season | Best male footballer of the season |
| Club football expected to determine the winner | FIFA World Cup performances could prove decisive |
| Record holder: Aitana Bonmatí (3) | Record holder: Lionel Messi (8) |
| Presented together in London on 26 October 2026 | Presented together in London on 26 October 2026 |
The absence of a major women’s international tournament means the Ballon d’Or Féminin will be decided almost entirely by club performances, while the men’s award is likely to be heavily influenced by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The ceremony itself will take place in London for the first time, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or
Interesting Facts
- FC Barcelona has produced five Ballon d’Or Féminin winners since the award was introduced.
- Aitana Bonmatí is the only player to win the trophy three consecutive times.
- No Ballon d’Or Féminin was awarded in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Ada Hegerberg became the inaugural winner in 2018.
- Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí represent the most successful era by teammates in the history of the award.
- Since 2022, voting has been based on the football season rather than the calendar year.
Summary
The 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin promises to deliver the most competitive race since the award was introduced. After years of dominance by Aitana Bonmatí, the spotlight has shifted towards Alexia Putellas and Claudia Pina, both of whom have enjoyed exceptional seasons for FC Barcelona.
With no Women’s World Cup or UEFA Women’s EURO taking place in 2026, every decisive performance in domestic competitions and the UEFA Women’s Champions League carries even greater significance. As the season reaches its conclusion, the race remains wide open, making this one of the most intriguing Ballon d’Or campaigns in recent memory.
Final Verdict
Since its launch in 2018, the Ballon d’Or Féminin has become the highest individual honour in women’s football, recognising sustained excellence at the very highest level.
While Aitana Bonmatí has defined the current era with three consecutive victories, 2026 could signal the beginning of a new chapter. Alexia Putellas is aiming to reclaim the crown she last won in 2022, while Claudia Pina has emerged as one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars.
Whoever lifts the trophy in London on 26 October 2026 will join an exclusive list of players who have shaped the history of women’s football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin?
At the moment, Alexia Putellas is widely regarded as the leading favourite, closely followed by her Barcelona teammate Claudia Pina. Three-time winner Aitana Bonmatí remains among the contenders but faces a more difficult challenge after missing a significant part of the season through injury. With no major international tournament in 2026, club performances will play the biggest role in determining the winner.
When is the Ballon d’Or Féminin 2026 ceremony?
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on 26 October 2026 in London, marking the first time the prestigious event is held in the English capital. Both the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards, along with several other football honours, will be presented during the same gala organised by France Football.
Who won the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2025?
Aitana Bonmatí claimed the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin, securing her third consecutive title. The Barcelona midfielder became the first player in history to win the award three years in a row, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest footballers the women’s game has ever produced.
Who has won the most Ballon d’Or Féminin awards?
Aitana Bonmatí holds the all-time record with three Ballon d’Or Féminin titles, winning in 2023, 2024 and 2025. She surpassed Alexia Putellas, who previously became the first player to win the award twice after consecutive victories in 2021 and 2022.
When was the Ballon d’Or Féminin introduced?
The Ballon d’Or Féminin was introduced in 2018 by France Football to recognise the world’s best female footballer. Ada Hegerberg of Olympique Lyon became the inaugural winner, opening a new chapter in the history of individual awards in women’s football.
How is the Ballon d’Or Féminin winner selected?
The winner is chosen by a panel of 100 international football journalists. Voters consider individual performances, team achievements, consistency throughout the season, influence in key matches and fair play. Since 2022, voting has been based on the football season rather than the calendar year.
Why is there no clear favourite in 2026?
Unlike previous editions, 2026 features no FIFA Women’s World Cup, UEFA Women’s EURO or Olympic Games, meaning club football carries far greater importance. Several players have produced outstanding seasons, making this one of the closest Ballon d’Or races since the award was introduced.
Which competitions matter most for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin?
The UEFA Women’s Champions League is expected to have the greatest influence on this year’s voting, alongside performances in domestic leagues and national cup competitions. Strong displays during the Champions League knockout rounds often play a decisive role in shaping the final rankings.
What is the difference between the Ballon d’Or Féminin and The Best FIFA Women’s Player?
Although both awards recognise the world’s best female footballer, they use different voting systems. The Ballon d’Or Féminin is presented by France Football and voted on exclusively by international journalists, while The Best FIFA Women’s Player award also includes votes from national team coaches, captains and supporters.
Which club has produced the most Ballon d’Or Féminin winners?
FC Barcelona has dominated the modern era of the Ballon d’Or Féminin. Thanks to the success of Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí, the Spanish club has produced five winning seasons since the award was introduced in 2018, making it the most successful club in the award’s history.
Can a player win the Ballon d’Or Féminin without winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League?
Yes. Winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League is not a formal requirement, but success in Europe’s premier club competition significantly strengthens a player’s chances. Exceptional domestic performances can also influence the voting, particularly if a player consistently delivers throughout the entire season.
Where can I find the latest Ballon d’Or Féminin power rankings?
PlayersRanked updates its Ballon d’Or Féminin 2026 Power Rankings throughout the season as new performances, trophies and major matches influence the race. The rankings are revised regularly until the winner is announced at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October.
