Bonmatí or Russo? Or someone else? See which footballer has a chance of winning the BBC award.
Last season's top scorer in the WSL, winner of the Champions League and Euro, who scored the equalizer in the Euro final. This sent the match into a penalty shootout, where England won their second title in a row. Although she finished third in the Ballon d'Or poll, last season was hers. And she is doing well in the current season too - she has scored in every Champions League match so far.
See all Russo's goals in 2024/25 season.
Three-time Ballon d'Or winner, title holder with Barcelona. Although she lost the Champions League and Euro finals last season, individually, according to some, the best footballer in the world did well. She scored 12 goals and six assists in the domestic competition. She also became the player of the tournament at Euro.
Mariona Caldentey’s first season at Arsenal could hardly have gone better. The Spanish forward made an instant impact after arriving from Barcelona, driving the Gunners to a second Champions League title. Her outstanding performances earned her the WSL Player of the Year award and recognition across Europe, as she finished runner-up in the Ballon d’Or and was named in both the UEFA Champions League and PFA Teams of the Year.
Hannah Hampton has cemented her place among the world’s elite after being crowned Best Women’s Goalkeeper at the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Her spectacular performances for both England and Chelsea defined a year of dominance and composure between the posts. At Euro 2025, Hampton’s penalty-saving brilliance led the Lionesses to glory — she denied two spot-kicks in both the final against Spain and the quarter-final against Sweden, writing her name into English football history.
Guijarro is the heartbeat of every side she plays for — dictating tempo, breaking up opposition attacks, and providing the calm and control that allow others to flourish. Her intelligence off the ball and tireless work in possession make her the perfect anchor in midfield.
Despite heartbreaks in the Champions League and Euro 2025 finals, Guijarro still celebrated a domestic treble with Barcelona, continuing her incredible run of success at club level.
