Can Anyone Dethrone Alexia Putellas at the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or?

As the clock ticks down to the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday night, fans are bracing for what seems like a familiar sight: Alexia Putellas hoisting the coveted trophy once again. Spanish football stars Aitana Bonmati and Putellas have dominated the awards circuit lately, with Putellas eyeing her third consecutive win. This past May, she captained Barcelona to an impressive quadruple, including a Champions League title and yet another Liga F championship. Bonmati’s absence from the competition is largely due to a serious leg injury she sustained while on international duty in November 2025, leaving the door wide open for Putellas. But is it really a foregone conclusion for Putellas? Can anyone from the impressive 30-player shortlist possibly take the trophy away from her? The answer leans heavily toward yes, and the reasons are clear. Barcelona has emerged as a juggernaut in club football, reaching seven of the last eight Champions League finals and clinching domestic championships year after year. Moreover, the Spanish national team has enjoyed remarkable success, claiming the World Cup in 2023, finishing as runners-up to England at the Euros in 2025, and winning the Nations League last December by defeating Germany. At the heart of this achievement is Putellas, who dazzled last season with 21 goals and 13 assists for Barcelona. Her leadership on the pitch is invaluable, and her individual brilliance has been pivotal in the Catalans' trophy-laden run. With 38 major trophies already in her cabinet, it seems likely that the 2021 and 2022 Ballon d'Or winner is on the verge of yet another triumph. "Give it to her!" exclaimed Spanish football expert Guillem Balague on BBC Sport. "She is undoubtedly the best player this season and deserves it!" Spain leads the way with six players on the shortlist, including eight from the starting lineup in the Champions League final. Notable names include striker Claudia Pina, who recently netted four goals against Real Madrid, goalkeeper Cata Coll, and midfielder Patri Guijarro. While Putellas is now shining in the Women's Super League with London City, Khadija Shaw emerges as a strong competitor. The Jamaican forward scored 21 league goals last season, helping Manchester City secure their first title in ten years, and added five more in the FA Cup. Shaw has been the WSL's top scorer for the last three seasons and has racked up 90 goals since joining in 2021. "There may not have been a major tournament, but there are incredible talents on the shortlist," said former England star Ellen White. "Shaw deserves to be recognized for her brilliant goal-scoring." Shaw is one of five City players nominated, a significant increase from last season, but their absence from the Champions League could hinder their chances. Alessia Russo of Arsenal also made waves, finishing just behind Shaw in league goals and impressing in the Champions League with nine goals. She previously secured third place in last year’s Ballon d'Or voting, so a semifinal exit this season may impact her chances. Another name to watch is Ewa Pajor from Poland, who closely trails Putellas's shadow. Pajor scored 11 goals in just 10 Champions League matches, including a hat-trick in the final against Lyon, and she won the Women's Gerd Muller trophy for top scorer last season. The Ballon d'Or awards recognize performances from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026, and are judged by selected international journalists, with points allocated based on their rankings. In previous years, the ceremony faced criticism for its Euro-centric focus and timing during international breaks in women's football. This year, the event aligns with the domestic calendar, but the absence of US-based National Women's Super League players remains a valid point of concern. Notably missing from the shortlist is Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit, highlighting the ongoing challenges in representing the world’s best players fairly.