Vote for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2026: Your Voice Matters!

The time has come to make your voice heard in the world of women’s football. Voting is now open for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2026, and fans around the globe can weigh in on their favorite from a stellar shortlist. The five nominees vying for this prestigious award are Temwa Chawinga, Ewa Pajor, Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo, and Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw. But don’t wait too long – the voting window closes on Wednesday, November 18th at 09:00 GMT. In an exciting twist, this year marks the first time the winner will be announced during the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year event, along with coverage on the BBC World Service and the BBC Sport website and app. This award, now in its 12th year, is decided based on nominations from coaches, journalists, and former players, reflecting performances from September 2025 to September 2026. Let’s dive into the nominees! First up is Temwa Chawinga from Malawi, who has become a standout forward for Kansas City. At 28, she’s not only clinched the NWSL MVP title for the second consecutive year but also led her team to the NWSL Shield by scoring 15 goals last season. Her international exploits with Malawi were equally impressive, helping her nation reach its first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final and securing a spot in their first Women's World Cup. Next is Poland's Ewa Pajor, 29, who plays for Barcelona. Known for her lethal finishing, Pajor was pivotal in Barcelona's trophy haul last season, scoring twice in the Champions League final against Lyon. She ended the league season with 16 goals and provided five assists, proving her worth as a top-tier forward. Then we have Alexia Putellas, a 32-year-old midfielder recently moved to London City Lionesses after an illustrious run with Barcelona. Her final season at the club was nothing short of magical, contributing 14 goals in the Champions League and helping secure four major trophies. Putellas also played a crucial role in Spain's success in the Women's Nations League. Alessia Russo, at 27, has been a key player for both Arsenal and the England national team. She scored 13 goals in the Women's Super League last season, contributing to Arsenal's historic Women’s Champions Cup victory. Russo’s consistent performances also saw her reach her 30th goal for the Lionesses, placing her among the top scorers for her country. Lastly, we have Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, 29, a phenomenal forward for Manchester City. Shaw lit up the Women’s Super League, netting an impressive 21 goals in just 22 appearances, leading City to their first league title in a decade. Her goal-scoring prowess has secured her a record third consecutive Golden Boot, and she finished the season with 26 goals across all competitions. With such incredible talent in the running, it’s time to cast your vote and support your favorite player. Read more about these remarkable athletes and make sure your choice is counted!