Sophia
The football world eagerly awaits the crowning of the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin winner this week, an award that recognizes the planet’s most outstanding female player. With the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 having just concluded, and a season of thrilling club football behind us, the competition is fiercer than ever.
The prestigious Ballon d’Or Féminin, established in 2018, has seen a lineage of exceptional talent lift the trophy. From Ada Hegerberg’s inaugural win to Megan Rapinoe’s triumph, and the back-to-back victories of Alexia Putellas (2021, 2022) and Aitana Bonmatí (2023, 2024), the award consistently celebrates excellence. While Putellas and Bonmatí are once again nominees, the landscape of women’s football suggests new contenders are rising. A third consecutive win for Bonmatí would be an unprecedented achievement in the women’s game.
Historically, the Ballon d’Or heavily weighs performances in major international tournaments and European club competitions. This year, the spotlight falls squarely on the standout players from the Women’s Euro 2025 and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Here’s how Sports Illustrated ranks the top 30 nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin:
The Contenders: From Rising Stars to Established Legends
30. Lindsey Horan (Lyon, USA)
Despite a quiet year for the U.S. Women’s National Team and Lyon’s Champions League exit, Lindsey Horan still showcased her prowess. The 31-year-old American was Lyon’s second-highest scorer with 19 goals en route to a dominant French league title.
29. Frida Maanum (Arsenal, Norway)
Arsenal’s dynamic midfielder Frida Maanum featured in all 22 WSL matches, but it was her tireless box-to-box work in the Champions League that truly captivated. A less impactful Euro 2025 with Norway, however, may hinder her chances.
28. Steph Catley (Arsenal, Australia)
As a newly designated left-sided center-back, Steph Catley enjoyed one of her finest seasons, becoming a defensive lynchpin for Arsenal. Her consistent 90-minute performances in the Champions League were crucial, though a lack of international action this summer could impact her standing.
27. Caroline Weir (Real Madrid, Scotland)
Caroline Weir continues to defy expectations, with her individual brilliance often outshining her teams. She contributed an impressive 27 goals (14 goals, 13 assists) across Liga F and Champions League matches. Her memorable brace against Barcelona, securing Real Madrid’s first Clásico win in 19 attempts, was a season highlight, but Scotland’s absence from Euro 2025 hurts her case.
26. Amanda Gutierres (Palmeiras, Brazil)
A breakout star, Amanda Gutierres only joined the Brazil national team in 2024 but has already netted nine goals, including three at the victorious 2025 Copa América Femenina. She was also the top scorer in the Brazilian league with Palmeiras. Her lower visibility due to playing outside Europe might be her biggest hurdle.
25. Clara Mateo (Paris FC, France)
Clara Mateo had a career-defining year, leading the French league in both goals (18) and assists (eight) for Paris FC. She also helped France reach the Euro 2025 quarterfinals and secured the Coupe de France, Paris FC’s first major trophy in nearly two decades.
24. Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich, Denmark)
At 32, Pernille Harder remains a leader, guiding Bayern Munich to a German league and cup double. She led the team in goals (14) and minutes (1,757), demonstrating her omnipresent influence. A disappointing Euro 2025 with Denmark, however, could limit her ascent.
23. Cristiana Girelli (Juventus, Italy)
The evergreen Cristiana Girelli rolled back the years, proving essential to Italy’s fairytale run to the Euro 2025 semifinals, scoring a tournament-defining goal against Portugal. She also bagged 19 goals for Juventus, helping them to their first Serie A title since 2022.
22. Sofia Cantore (Juventus/Washington Spirit, Italy)
Like Girelli, Sofia Cantore shone for Juventus and Italy. Her 15 goals, combined with exceptional chance creation and pressing, made her a constant threat. Cantore was instrumental in Italy’s near-upset of eventual Euro 2025 winners England and has since moved to the NWSL’s Washington Spirit.
21. Klara Bühl (Germany)
Klara Bühl is a beautifully balanced attacker, boasting 12 goals and 18 assists in 2024–25. Her ability to pressure defenders and electrify on the wing makes her a European threat. Her defensive contributions were key to Germany’s unexpected Euro 2025 semifinal run.
20. Esther González (NJ/NY Gotham FC, Spain)
Veteran Spanish forward Esther González is experiencing a career resurgence, leading Euro 2025 with four goals and the NWSL with 13 goals in 19 matches. Her winning goal for NJ/NY Gotham FC in the Concacaf W Champions Cup final further strengthens her case.
19. Emily Fox (Arsenal, USA)
Arsenal fullback Emily Fox made a significant leap, playing a pivotal role in the Gunners’ Champions League triumph. Her reliable defensive displays, including shutting down opponents in the final against Barcelona, highlight her consistency, though defenders often face an uphill battle for Ballon d’Or recognition.
18. Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea, France)
Sandy Baltimore seamlessly transitioned to Chelsea, embracing increased defensive duties under Sonia Bompastor. She contributed six goals and eight assists across the WSL and Champions League, though her Euro 2025 performance was less impactful than some peers.
17. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea, Sweden)
Another Chelsea winger, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, was vital to their undefeated WSL title win (four goals, four assists). Her blistering runs also propelled Sweden to a fantastic Euro 2025 campaign, where she was one of the tournament’s standout players.
16. Clàudia Pina (FC Barcelona, Spain)
Is there a better long-range shooter than Clàudia Pina? The FC Barcelona winger turned heads with her devastating performances, notably crushing England in the UEFA Nations League and Chelsea in the Champions League semifinals. The 24-year-old is a unique talent with a bright future.
15. Caroline Graham Hansen (FC Barcelona, Norway)
Perhaps underrated due to the sheer talent around her at Barcelona, Caroline Graham Hansen is a complete forward. She amassed 30 goal contributions (18 goals, 12 assists) across Liga F and the Champions League. However, a subdued Euro 2025 for Norway might prevent her from climbing higher.
14. Ewa Pajor (FC Barcelona, Poland)
Ewa Pajor’s move to Barcelona didn’t slow her extraordinary scoring streak, as she netted 36 goals in 45 games across Liga F and the Champions League. While some argue she didn’t deliver in the biggest moments, her personal achievement of scoring Poland’s second-ever major tournament goal at Euro 2025 is noteworthy.
13. Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, England)
The ultimate super-sub and big-game player. Chloe Kelly was instrumental in England’s Euro 2025 triumph, creating goals, scoring crucial penalties, and netting the winning goal in the semifinal and the winning penalty in the final. Despite a challenging domestic season with fluctuating minutes, her indelible impact on major matches cannot be overstated.
12. Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona, Spain)
The 2024-25 season marked a triumphant comeback for two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. With 21 goals and 15 assists, she rediscovered her form after an ACL injury, showcasing her individual brilliance and telepathic link-up play with Barcelona and Spain teammates. Her commanding role in Spain’s run to the Euro 2025 final further solidifies her elite status.
11. Leah Williamson (Arsenal, England)
Arsenal and England captain Leah Williamson led both her teams to European glory with her elite technical defending, exceptional decision-making, and unparalleled game reading. Her composed performances in the finals against Barcelona and Spain highlight her invaluable leadership and defensive prowess.
10. Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
Hannah Hampton was a hero of England’s Euro 2025 triumph. Fresh off an invincible season with Chelsea, she made crucial penalty saves in the Euro quarterfinal and final. While goalkeepers often get overlooked, Hampton’s game-changing impact makes her a strong contender to buck the trend.
9. Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)
Despite scoring 20 goals for Arsenal and the equalizer in the Euro 2025 final, Alessia Russo remains somewhat under-appreciated. Her selfless play, holding up the ball, and creating space for others are invaluable contributions that often go unnoticed but are critical to team success for both Arsenal and England.
8. Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia)
Barbra Banda electrified the NWSL, leading Orlando Pride to the Shield and Championship. The 25-year-old Zambian was at her best in big games, scoring the winning goal in the NWSL Championship final. While Zambia’s early exit from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations might hurt, Banda’s individual brilliance makes her one of the world’s best forwards.
7. Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current, Malawi)
Temwa Chawinga embodies consistency, relentlessly scoring for Kansas City Current. Her trademark smart runs and deft finishes consistently deliver game-winning goals. Limited international action and only one minor club trophy might hold her back, but her scoring prowess is undeniable.
6. Aitana Bonmatí (FC Barcelona, Spain)
The two-time reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Aitana Bonmatí, aims for an unprecedented three-peat. While she admits this wasn’t her absolute best season, she remained the maestro for Barcelona and Spain’s successful campaigns. However, a quiet Champions League final and a penalty miss against England in the Euro final could slightly diminish her chances.
5. Patri Guijarro (FC Barcelona, Spain)
Patri Guijarro is the engine room for both Barcelona and Spain. Her incisive midfield work – threading passes, scanning spaces, and linking play – is fundamental to their elite status. While the Champions League and Euro final defeats will sting, her consistently extraordinary level of play throughout the year makes her a top contender.
4. Melchie Dumornay (Lyon, Haiti)
When Melchie Dumornay gains momentum, she’s unstoppable. Her electric technique and instinctive finishing allowed her to punish teams, scoring 22 goals and adding nine assists in just 28 games for Lyon. Her lack of international football with Haiti might deter some voters, but her club form is undeniable.
3. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal, Spain)
Mariona Caldentey showcased tremendous class and versatility, excelling as both a midfielder for Arsenal and a wide forward for Spain. Her game-changing goals in the Champions League semifinals against Lyon were pivotal, and her strong second half of the season carried Arsenal to a second-place finish.
2. Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil)
A living legend, Marta had a record-breaking NWSL season, lifting both the Shield and Championship with Orlando Pride. Her shock return from retirement to the Brazil national team saw her win the 2025 Copa América Femenina, including two legendary goals in the dramatic final against Colombia. At 39, Marta appears ageless and has played some of her career’s best football.
1. Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)
Lucy Bronze epitomizes leaving it all on the pitch. She won the Women’s Euro 2025 with a stress fracture in her leg, starting every match, scoring a vital equalizer against Sweden, and converting a high-pressure penalty. Coupled with a perfect domestic season where she won three trophies with Chelsea, Bronze’s relentless pursuit of success, grit, and resilience make her the most accomplished player on this list. Success, trophies, and an indomitable spirit followed her everywhere – a combination that could very well earn her the Ballon d’Or.
For more in-depth coverage and analysis of women’s football, visit Sports Illustrated Soccer.
