Five Lionesses – Lucy Bronze, Hannah Hampton, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson – have been shortlisted for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, following their starring roles in England’s Euro 2025 victory last month.
They are among a distinguished 30-player shortlist, which also features Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, the reigning two-time winner of the award.
Bronze leads the nominations this year, earning her fifth nod – more than any other player – ahead of Bonmati and Denmark’s Pernille Harder, who have four each.
Barcelona and Arsenal had the most players represented on the shortlist. Arsenal’s Lioness trio – Kelly, Williamson and Russo – are joined by Spain’s Mariona Caldentey, Australia’s Steph Catley, the USA’s Emily Fox and Norway’s Frida Maanum, who all played pivotal roles in Arsenal’s historic Champions League title win. The Gunners beat Barcelona 1-0 in the final, securing their first European crown in 18 years.
Since its introduction in 2018, the Women’s Ballon d’Or has twice been won by Spanish internationals – Bonmati and Alexia Putellas – with previous winners also including Norway’s Ada Hegerberg and the USA’s Megan Rapinoe.
This year’s nominees also include stars from outside Europe, such as the USA’s Lindsey Heaps, Brazilian icon Marta, and Haiti’s rising talent Melchie Dumornay.
In other categories, Hannah Hampton is also among the inaugural nominees for the women’s Yachine Trophy – awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper.
England head coach Sarina Wiegman is in contention for Women’s Team Coach of the Year. She is nominated alongside Arsenal’s Champions League-winning manager Renee Slegers and Chelsea’s treble-winning boss Sonia Bompastor.
England’s Michelle Agyemang has also been shortlisted for the Kopa Trophy, which recognises the best Under-21 player in the world.
The 19-year-old forward was instrumental at Euro 2025, scoring late goals in both the quarter-final and semi-final to force extra time. She was later named the tournament’s Young Player of the Year for her standout performances.
Agyemang is joined in the Kopa shortlist by other young stars who impressed at the Euros, including Spain and Barcelona’s Vicky Lopez, Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo, Chelsea’s Wieke Kaptein and Club Olimpia’s Claudia Martinez Ovando.
Arsenal and Chelsea’s women’s teams have also been nominated for Club of the Year, alongside Lyon, Barcelona, and Orlando Pride.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on 22 September at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
