The Spain international was recognised for her performances during the 2025/26 season, adding another major individual honour to a career that has established her among the leading figures in women’s football.
Pajor finished second after an impressive campaign with Barcelona, while Shaw claimed third place following her outstanding performances for Manchester City and Jamaica.
Women’s Ballon d’Or 2026: Full Top 30 Rankings
The complete rankings, from first to 30th, are listed below. Three players shared 28th place, meaning the 30 nominees occupy 28 ranking positions.
• 1st: Alexia Putellas — Barcelona / London City Lionesses, Spain
• 2nd: Ewa Pajor — Barcelona, Poland
• 3rd: Khadija “Bunny” Shaw — Manchester City, Jamaica
• 4th: Melchie Dumornay — Lyon, Haiti
• 5th: Patri Guijarro — Barcelona, Spain
• 6th: Caroline Graham Hansen — Barcelona, Norway
• 7th: Pernille Harder — Bayern Munich, Denmark
• 8th: Clàudia Pina — Barcelona, Spain
• 9th: Alessia Russo — Arsenal, England
• 10th: Temwa Chawinga — Kansas City Current, Malawi
• 11th: Yui Hasegawa — Manchester City, Japan
• 12th: Klara Bühl — Bayern Munich, Germany
• 13th: Mariona Caldentey — Arsenal, Spain
• 14th: Wendie Renard — Lyon, France
• 15th: Cata Coll — Barcelona, Spain
• 16th: Mapi León — Barcelona / London City Lionesses, Spain
• 17th: Esmee Brugts — Barcelona, Netherlands
• 18th: Barbra Banda — Orlando Pride, Zambia
• 19th: Tessa Wullaert — Inter / Como, Belgium
• 20th: Selma Bacha — Lyon, France
• 21st: Scarlett Camberos — Club América, Mexico
• 22nd: Manaka Matsukubo — North Carolina Courage / Chelsea, Japan
• 23rd: Momoko Tanikawa — Bayern Munich, Japan
• 24th: Kerstin Casparij — Manchester City, Netherlands
• 25th: Caroline Weir — Real Madrid / Lyon, Scotland
• 26th: Alex Greenwood — Manchester City, England
• 27th: Rose Lavelle — Gotham FC, United States
• 28th (joint): Lorena — Kansas City Current, Brazil
• 28th (joint): Melvine Malard — Manchester United / Chelsea, France
• 28th (joint): Vivianne Miedema — Manchester City, Netherlands.
Putellas Makes Ballon d’Or History
Putellas’s third victory further strengthens her standing among the most decorated players in the history of the women’s game.
The midfielder earned recognition following her contributions to Barcelona’s successful 2025/26 campaign. Her technical ability, creativity and influence in midfield helped her remain among the leading contenders for the award.
Her achievement also comes after a significant career move, with Putellas joining London City Lionesses in the summer of 2026 following her long spell at Barcelona.
Pajor and Shaw Complete the Podium
Pajor’s second-place finish highlights her importance to Barcelona’s attacking success. The Poland international continued to demonstrate her finishing ability and consistency in front of goal throughout the season.
Shaw’s third-place finish was another major milestone for the Jamaican striker, who played an important role for Manchester City and helped the club achieve success in English women’s football.
Dumornay finished fourth, while Barcelona midfielder Patri Guijarro completed the top five.
Barcelona’s strong representation in the rankings underlined the club’s influence on the women’s game, with several players featuring among the top 10.
Nigfooty Fans, Who Deserved to Win?
Alexia Putellas has claimed her third Women’s Ballon d’Or, but the final rankings are sure to spark debate among football supporters.
Do you agree with Putellas winning the award? Should Ewa Pajor have taken the crown, or did Khadija Shaw deserve to finish higher?
Share your opinions in the comments section on Nigfooty.com. Tell us which player impressed you most during the 2025/26 season and who you believe deserved the award.
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