Barcelona has rapidly risen to prominence in the realm of women’s football, achieving unprecedented recognition and success, especially with its players dominating prestigious awards like the Ballon d’Or. Notably, the initial two editions of the women’s Ballon d’Or were claimed by the exceptional talents of Ada Hegerberg and Megan Rapinoe. However, the narrative shifted in favor of Barcelona, with Alexia Putellas securing the awards in both 2021 and 2022, followed by Aitana Bonmati clinching titles in 2023 and 2024. Despite these individual accolades, Barcelona has yet to achieve a Champions League victory, which has sparked intrigue regarding the upcoming awards.
The dynamics of the awards could change significantly due to imminent international competitions such as the UEFA European Championship and the delayed Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Historical precedents indicate that these tournaments often impact the Ballon d’Or voting process, as highlighted by the case of the 2022 winner Beth Mead, whose impressive performances placed her second despite England’s international triumph. Another layer of complexity arises from the fact that the voting criteria focus on the immediate past season while also considering the unfolding Euro 2025, which may put players associated with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) at a disadvantage.
Overall, the landscape of women’s football across Europe is evolving, and this year’s power rankings of players underscore the changing narratives as various clubs vie for supremacy.
**10 – Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)**
Last season’s runner-up, Caroline Graham Hansen, has struggled to replicate her previous performance. Her stats dwindled significantly from 26 goals and 23 assists to just 14 goals and 12 assists in both league and Champions League play. Her performance at Euro 2025 has been lukewarm, managing only one goal with no assists thus far. However, Norway remains in contention, providing Graham Hansen an opportunity to bounce back and potentially improve her standing.
**9 – Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal)**
Stina Blackstenius emerged as a highlight among Champions League winners. Initially overlooked, she made a notable impact at Euro 2025, scoring two important goals, including one that contributed to Sweden’s surprising 4-1 win over Germany in the group stage. As Sweden prepares to face off against the titleholders England, this sets the stage for an exciting potential rebound, not just for Blackstenius but for the entire Swedish squad.
**8 – Ewa Pajor (Barcelona)**
Pajor transitioned seamlessly to Barcelona after a standout season at Wolfsburg and has continued to impress with a remarkable tally of 32 goals and 11 assists. Despite Poland’s challenges in their Euro 2025 group, Pajor managed to contribute vital goals and secure her nation a critical victory.
**7 – Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea)**
Sandy Baltimore stands alone as the sole representative from England’s domestic treble winners on this list. Despite Chelsea’s injury struggles, Baltimore had an impressive debut season, stress-tested by operating in various positions. Her two goals in the FA Cup final underscored her ability, and with recent goals for France, she has the chance to make a significant impact as the tournament progresses.
**6 – Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)**
Aitana Bonmati, having claimed back-to-back Ballon d’Or titles, still holds her own among the best in the world. However, the buzz surrounding her has diminished, likely influenced by a disappointing Champions League performance and personal health challenges at the tournament’s beginning. Nevertheless, her motivation to dominate the knockout stages remains palpable.
**5 – Claudia Pina (Barcelona)**
At just 23, Claudia Pina has showcased remarkable growth, concluding the season with 20 goals and eight assists, and taking her game to new heights. Her outstanding contributions in the Nations League, notably scoring twice against England, indicate her potential for a significant impact as the tournament unfolds.
**4 – Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)**
Mariona Caldentey’s first season in England proved productive, where she contributed 16 goals and seven assists. Although her performance at Euro 2025 has been relatively quieter, a strong showing in later matches could elevate her profile.
**3 – Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)**
Barbra Banda represents the NWSL well, notably after leading her team to victory and securing key goals through playoffs. However, the likelihood of NWSL players receiving Ballon d’Or recognition hinges on their international performances, which is now true for Banda, who has begun her campaign strongly in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
**2 – Alessia Russo (Arsenal)**
Alessia Russo excelled in the WSL as the top scorer and ranked highly in the Champions League, marking a stellar season. Her critical role during Euro 2025 is vital for her chances, with aspirations to become the first Englishwoman to win the Ballon d’Or in its contemporary format.
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