We will find out this year's Ballon d'Or winner on Monday! The main favorites are Alessia Russo and Alexia Putellas. Which other players are still in the running?
Alessia Russo (Arsenal & England)
Russo had a standout season: joint-top scorer in the WSL (together with Bunny Shaw, but Russo also had more assists), Champions League winner, European Championship winner, who scored in the Euros final. Her achievements put her in strong contention.
Aitana BonmatĂ (Barcelona & Spain)
Despite not winning the two major finals she played in - Euro and UWCL final, Bonmatà is considered by many to possess unmatched skill, particularly by standards in the women’s game. She won two previous Ballon d'Ors.
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain)
Praised for strong overall club season: goals and assists, recovery from injury, etc. However, in the biggest moments (Champions League Final, Euros Final) she was not as visible as expected.Â
Hannah Hampton (Chelsea & England) — noteworthy for her goalkeeping heroics, especially during the European Championship run, and part of Chelsea’s unbeaten domestic treble.
Leah Williamson (Arsenal & England) — respected for her leadership and performances, though as a defender she may be less visible in scoring highlight metrics. She had amazing performances in both, Euro and Champions league final.
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride & Zambia) — important for her role in her NWSL team, but her chances are seen as slim given the tendency of voters to favour European / global tournament visibility.
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