Full Breakdown
2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or Shortlist Highlights Global Talent and African Rise
9/9/2026, 11:48:27 AM
Announcement of the Shortlist
France Football released the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or on September 8. The list features players from Europe’s top clubs, the NWSL and two African forwards – Zambia captain Barbra Banda and Malawi striker Temwa Chawinga – marking a historic African presence on the award.
Background & Context
Created in 1956, the Women’s Ballon d’Or celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026. The ceremony will be held in London on October 26, a venue chosen to honour England great Sir Stanley Matthews.
Notable Nominees
- Alessia Russo (Arsenal) – 24 goals in 40 club appearances.
- Alex Greenwood (Manchester City) – captained the WSL and FA Cup-winning side.
- Khadija “Bunny” Shaw (Manchester City) – 21 goals in 22 league games.
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona) – two-time winner, key to Barcelona’s Champions League win.
- Caroline Weir (Lyon) – 20 goals across all competitions.
- Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride) – club-record 14 goals in the 2026 NWSL season; 5 goals at WAFCON, including four against Egypt.
- Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current) – 9 goals and 2 assists in under 800 minutes; 5 goals in 6 WAFCON matches, earning the Golden Boot.
Other nominees include Ewa Pajor, Melchie Dumornay, Vivianne Miedema, Wendie Renard, Rose Lavelle, and Klara Bühl.
Data & Statistics
- 30 players nominated from all continents.
- 8 Barcelona players – the highest club representation.
- 2 African nominees – the sole representatives from the continent.
- Barbra Banda’s club goal totals vary: 13 goals in 18 matches, 14 goals in 21 matches.
- Temwa Chawinga recorded 15 goals in 22 matches for Kansas City and 9 goals in 800 minutes for the 2026 season.
Official Statements & Responses
Orlando Pride’s Vice President of Soccer Operations Caitlin Carducci praised Banda’s nomination, calling it a testament to her “consistency, dedication and elite level”. The London venue was highlighted as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Club goal counts for Barbra Banda differ among sources, leaving the exact season tally unclear.
- No source details the voting methodology or the weighting of club versus international performance, limiting insight into nominee evaluation.
Verbatim Quote
- “We are incredibly proud to see Barbra recognized with her third Women’s Ballon d’Or nomination,” — Caitlin Carducci.
What’s Next
The winners will be announced at the London ceremony on October 26. The shortlist will be voted on by journalists, national team coaches and captains, and a panel of former Ballon d’Or winners, following France Football’s voting system.
