The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is heating up, with football’s biggest stars competing for the sport’s most prestigious individual honour.
Outstanding performances in domestic leagues and European competitions have shaped the latest rankings, highlighting the players who have made the biggest impact throughout the campaign.
According to GOAL’s latest power rankings, first is Alexia Putellas, followed by Ewa Pajor in second place.
Third is Melchie Dumornay, while Pernille Harder occupies fourth.
Khadija Shaw is fifth, followed by Patri Guijarro in sixth and Caroline Graham Hansen in seventh.
Alessia Russo ranks eighth, Klara Bühl is ninth, and Yui Hasegawa completes the top ten in tenth place.
Temwa Chawinga ranks 11th, followed by Clàudia Pina in 12th. Vivianne Miedema occupies 13th place, Mariona Caldentey is 14th, and Cata Coll rounds off the list in 15th.
Putellas leads the rankings after an outstanding campaign with Barcelona.
Her influence in midfield, creativity, and ability to deliver in crucial matches have strengthened her individual credentials.
Barcelona’s success across domestic and European competitions has also helped place several of its players among the leading contenders.
Pajor’s second-place position reflects her remarkable goalscoring contribution, making her one of the strongest challengers.
Dumornay, meanwhile, has continued to impress with Lyon, showcasing her attacking ability and consistency.
Harder and Shaw also remain prominent contenders following productive campaigns in front of goal.
Barcelona’s strong representation is another major talking point, with Putellas, Pajor, Guijarro, Graham Hansen and Pina all featuring in the rankings.
Their performances underline the club’s continued influence on the European women’s football landscape.
One notable absence is Aitana Bonmatí, whose injury-disrupted season has affected her chances of competing for another individual honour after winning the previous three editions.
With Putellas leading the way, the latest rankings offer an indication of the leading candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin.
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