# 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or nominations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-womens-ballon-dor-nominations
> Updated: 2026-09-26T09:21:06.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or has been announced, highlighting a competitive field of international talent. A significant development in the nominations is the absence of three-time winner Aitana Bonmatí, whose exclusion is attributed to a season impacted by a multi-month injury.

Spanish players and FC Barcelona maintain a strong presence in the candidates. While initial reports noted several Spanish nominees including Alexia Putellas, Cata Coll, and Mapi León, subsequent details emphasize the strength of FC Barcelona Femení, with players such as Ewa Pajor, Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro, Cata Coll, and Esmee Brugts included in the shortlist. Ewa Pajor is identified as a top contender.

Other major clubs and nations are well-represented, including Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw, French players from Olympique Lyonnais and Chelsea, and talent from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The winners are scheduled to be revealed at a gala in London on October 26.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Women's Ballon d'Or 2026 shortlist announced

The 30-player shortlist for the 2026 women's Ballon d’Or has been revealed, featuring heavy representation from FC Barcelona, Manchester City, and Olympique Lyonnais.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/womens-ballon-dor-2026-shortlist-announced

### 2026-09-08: Aitana Bonmatí absent from 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or nominees

Aitana Bonmatí is absent from the 30 nominees for the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or following an injury-affected season, leaving the award open for new winners like Alexia Putellas.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aitana-bonmat-absent-from-2026-womens-ballon-dor-nominees

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Cite as: 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or nominations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-womens-ballon-dor-nominations