The race for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or has ignited a wave of excitement and speculation across the footballing world, with the shortlist unveiling a tantalizing mix of established stars, emerging talents, and a record-breaking club presence. Arsenal, riding high after a season of glittering triumphs, boasts a remarkable seven nominees—more than any other club—while the perennial powerhouses of Spain and England dominate the international conversation. With no clear favorite emerging from the 30-player shortlist, fans and pundits alike are bracing for what could be the closest Ballon d’Or vote in the award’s history.
Released on August 8, 2025, the nominees’ list reads like a who’s who of women’s football. Arsenal’s contingent includes Alessia Russo, Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly, Mariona Caldentey, Frida Maanum, Emily Fox, and Steph Catley. Their collective achievements have set a new standard for club recognition, especially after clinching the Champions League and seeing three of their English stars—Russo, Williamson, and Kelly—complete the rare double of winning both the European Championship and the Champions League in the same season. It’s an accomplishment that’s left fans wondering: could this be the year an Arsenal player finally lifts the coveted trophy?
Barcelona, not to be outdone, contributes six nominees to the list, including prolific scorer Ewa Pajor and a midfield trio that has dictated the tempo of both club and international matches. Spanish internationals Mariona Caldentey and Esther González, both Champions League winners, are among the favorites, their technical flair and big-game performances elevating them to the top tier of contenders. The Spanish influence is palpable, with six nominees from the reigning world champions, underscoring the nation’s sustained dominance at both club and international levels.
England’s presence is equally formidable. Five English players have made the cut, with Russo, Williamson, and Kelly’s historic double providing a compelling narrative for voters who weigh team achievements heavily. The Ballon d’Or’s 50 judges will consider three main criteria: individual performances, decisive and impressive character, team performances and achievements, and class and fair play. By those standards, England’s nominees—especially those who featured prominently in both Arsenal’s and the national team’s successes—are well positioned to capture the imagination of the panel.
The shortlist is as diverse as it is competitive. Hannah Hampton, the only goalkeeper among the nominees, earned her spot thanks to her standout displays during England’s Euros victory and Chelsea’s domestic treble. Her inclusion highlights the growing appreciation for defensive excellence in an award often dominated by attacking talent. Other notable nominees include Zambia’s Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City), Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay (OL Lyonnes), and the legendary Marta, whose leadership propelled both Orlando Pride and Brazil to silverware this season.
“The 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or race is highly competitive with seven Arsenal nominees among the 30 shortlisted players,” notes the official shortlist announcement, emphasizing just how open this year’s contest is. The absence of Kim Little from the nominees has raised a few eyebrows, given her integral role in Arsenal’s recent successes. However, her more understated style may have rendered her contributions less visible to voters who tend to favor high-profile moments and match-winning heroics.
As for the leading contenders, four names have emerged as potential frontrunners: Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí of Spain, and England’s Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly. Each has a compelling case based on individual brilliance and decisive contributions in critical matches. Kelly, in particular, has been lauded for her ability to deliver in clutch situations, fully meeting the “decisive” criteria outlined by the Ballon d’Or’s voting guidelines. According to the shortlist, “Kelly’s decisive contributions meet the ‘decisive’ criteria in full.”
Past Ballon d’Or results offer some context for this year’s unpredictability. Since the award’s inception, the top two finishers have often come from clubs or national teams that clinched major trophies. In 2018, Ada Hegerberg edged out Pernille Harder after winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League, while Megan Rapinoe’s World Cup heroics secured her the 2019 crown. More recently, Spain’s Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí have set the standard, each winning the award after leading Barcelona and their national team to unprecedented heights. Last year, Bonmatí took home the prize with a commanding 675 points, well ahead of Caroline Graham Hansen’s 392, after the USA won Olympic gold and Barcelona lifted the Champions League.
Yet, this year’s field feels different. The voting panel’s diversity—50 judges, each with their own interpretation of the criteria—means that consensus may be elusive. “This year lacks the clear front-runners of previous editions, promising a much closer contest,” the shortlist summary observes. With so many worthy candidates and achievements to consider, a split vote among the favorites could open the door for an outsider to mount a surprise challenge. Names like Clàudia Pina, Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Marta, and Leah Williamson are all mentioned as possible top-three finishers, underscoring the depth of quality across the board.
The Ballon d’Or buzz comes at a time when the international landscape is shifting as well. On August 7, 2025, FIFA released its latest women’s world rankings, with Spain regaining the No. 1 spot despite losing to England in the Women’s Euro 2025 final. The U.S. women’s national team, which had held the top position since winning gold at the Paris Olympics last year, slipped to second. England’s back-to-back Euros triumphs propelled them to fourth, while Sweden and France made significant moves after impressive runs at the continental tournament. Brazil, despite securing a ninth Copa America title, dropped to seventh, a testament to the increasingly competitive nature of women’s football worldwide.
These shifting dynamics are reflected in the Ballon d’Or shortlist, which features standout performers from every major league and continent. From Amanda Gutierres of Palmeiras to Sofia Cantore of Juventus/Washington Spirit, the global reach of the women’s game has never been more apparent. The inclusion of players like Marta—still a force at the highest level—serves as a reminder of the sport’s enduring legends and the new generation eager to carve their own legacy.
With voting underway, anticipation is building for what promises to be a dramatic and closely watched Ballon d’Or ceremony. The combination of individual brilliance, team glory, and fair play will ultimately determine who takes home the most prestigious individual honor in women’s football. Until then, the debate rages on, and the world awaits the verdict of the 50 judges who hold the fate of these remarkable athletes in their hands.
As the countdown to the announcement continues, one thing is certain: the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or race has captured the imagination of fans everywhere, and this year’s winner—whoever she may be—will have truly earned her place among the game’s greats.
