Five pivotal members of England's UEFA Women's Euro 2025 championship squad have earned nominations for the coveted Ballon d'Or Féminin, recognizing the planet's finest female footballer. Captain Leah Williamson joins teammates Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, and Hannah Hampton on the elite shortlist following the Lionesses' successful title defense in Switzerland.
In a remarkable display of resilience, Chelsea defender Bronze competed throughout the entire tournament while managing a fractured tibia. The 33-year-old right-back's nomination highlights her extraordinary contribution to England's continental triumph.
Emerging star Michelle Agyemang earned recognition through her nomination for the Women's Kopa Trophy, awarded to the premier under-21 talent. The 19-year-old Arsenal forward secured crucial late equalizers against Sweden and Italy during the knockout stages, performances that earned her the tournament's Young Player award.
Goalkeeper Hampton received dual recognition with nominations for both the Ballon d'Or and the Yachine Trophy honoring the world's top goalkeeper. The Chelsea shot-stopper played instrumental roles in England's Euro victory and her club's domestic treble-winning campaign.
Scotland's midfield maestro Caroline Weir (Real Madrid) joins fellow Chelsea nominees Sandy Baltimore (France) and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Sweden) on the Ballon d'Or list. Arsenal's Champions League-winning contingent features prominently with Williamson, Russo, Kelly, Mariona Caldentey (Spain), and Emily Fox (USA) all included.
Defending champion Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona/Spain) seeks a historic third consecutive win alongside two-time recipient Alexia Putellas. The winners across all categories will be revealed during the ceremony in Paris on September 22.
Complete 2025 Ballon d'Or Féminin Nominees
- Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)
- Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia)
- Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona, Spain)
- Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea, France)
- Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal, Spain)
- Klara Bühl (Bayern Munich, Germany)
- Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit, Italy)
- Steph Catley (Arsenal, Australia)
- Melchie Dumornay (Lyon, Haiti)
- Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current, Malawi)
- Emily Fox (Arsenal, USA)
- Cristiana Girelli (Juventus, Italy)
- Esther González (Gotham FC, Spain)
- Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona, Norway)
- Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona, Spain)
- Amanda Gutierres (Palmeiras, Brazil)
- Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
- Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich, Denmark)
- Lindsey Horan (Lyon, USA)
- Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, England)
- Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil)
- Frida Maanum (Arsenal, Norway)
- Ewa Pajor (Barcelona, Poland)
- Clara Matéo (Paris FC, France)
- Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)
- Clàudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain)
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
- Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea, Sweden)
- Caroline Weir (Real Madrid, Scotland)
- Leah Williamson (Arsenal, England)
Leading Contenders Analysis
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal/Spain): Despite Euro final disappointment, the Spanish winger recorded seven goals during Arsenal's Champions League victory and claimed WSL Player of the Season honors.
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona/Spain): The two-time defending champion overcame viral meningitis to score the Euro semifinal winner against Germany, subsequently earning Player of the Tournament recognition.
Alessia Russo (Arsenal/England): The striker's 12-goal WSL campaign tied for the league's golden boot, while her critical equalizer against Spain catalyzed England's Euro comeback.
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain): The creative midfielder delivered an electrifying group stage performance with three goals and four assists, complementing her Liga F record 11 assists last term.
Chloe Kelly (Arsenal/England): After regaining form following her January move from Manchester City, the winger scored decisive goals throughout England's Euro campaign.
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