Alexia Putellas produced 26 goals and 15 assists across 53 matches to become the betting favorite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Féminin.
Alexia Putellas is the betting favorite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Féminin after recording 26 goals and 15 assists in 53 matches. The 32-year-old midfielder, who recently joined London City Lionesses, led Barcelona to five trophies including the UEFA Champions League, Liga F, and Copa de la Reina. During the Champions League title run, Putellas recorded a team-high six assists and 35 chances created, while scoring twice in the semifinal against Bayern Munich.
Clàudia Pina also remains a top contender following a 32-goal season for Barcelona and Spain. Pina secured the Liga F Golden Boot with 21 goals and scored for Spain in their 4-0 World Cup qualification victory over England. Despite her domestic scoring record, she did not start the Champions League final against OL Lyonnes and recorded five combined goals and assists in that tournament.
Melchie Dumornay of OL Lyonnes and Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal round out the top four candidates identified by ESPN's Bill Connelly. Dumornay tallied 21 goals and 12 assists in 36 matches, leading Lyon to three domestic trophies and the Champions League final. Caldentey, who finished second in last year’s voting, transitioned to a defensive midfield role at Arsenal where she led the WSL and Champions League in progressive passes (372) and chances created (64).
Several high-profile players were excluded from the final short list or top consideration. Three-time winner Aitana Bonmatí did not make the 30-player list after missing six months with a broken leg. Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw was eliminated from top contention despite 36 goals and 10 assists, while Caroline Graham Hansen and Ewa Pajor were noted for their lack of international success with Norway and Poland, respectively.
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