Russo and Greenwood nominated for Ballon d'Or
September 8, 2026 14:40
Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood have been included among the 30 players shortlisted for the women's Ballon d'Or. They are the only England internationals named on the list.
The shortlist also features Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw and Barcelona's Alexia Putellas; 2023-25 winner Aitana Bonmatí is not on the list after missing much of the season with a broken leg.
KEY CONTEXT
- Russo was third in last year’s voting and had a productive season at club level, registering 24 goals across 40 appearances.
- Greenwood captained Manchester City as they won both the Women’s Super League and the FA Cup.
- Shaw scored 21 goals in 22 league matches for Manchester City.
- Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, played a part in Barcelona’s Champions League success and is mentioned among the favourites for the award.
- Caroline Weir, who scored 20 goals for Real Madrid across all competitions, moved to Lyon in June.
- The Ballon d’Or was created by France Football in 1956; this year’s prize marks the award’s 70th anniversary and the winner will be revealed at a London ceremony on 26 October. The choice of London was described as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the first Ballon d’Or winner.
WHY IT MATTERS
The shortlist highlights individual achievement across Europe’s top clubs and underlines which players stood out during the season. England’s representation is limited to two players, while other nominees include recent winners and continental champions, reflecting both club and individual success in the period under consideration. The London venue and 70th anniversary add a ceremonial significance to this edition of the prize.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- The winner of the Ballon d’Or Féminin will be announced at the ceremony in London on 26 October.
- Observers will be watching how nominees with recent Champions League or domestic title success, and last year’s high-placed finishers such as Russo, fare in the final voting.
KEY FACTS
- Russo and Greenwood are the only England players on the 30-player women’s Ballon d’Or shortlist.
- Russo scored 24 goals in 40 club appearances last season and finished third in last year’s voting.
- Greenwood captained Manchester City to the Women’s Super League and FA Cup titles.
- Khadija Shaw scored 21 goals in 22 league games and is also on the shortlist.
- Alexia Putellas is a two-time winner who helped Barcelona win the Champions League and is named among the favourites.
- The Ballon d’Or celebrates its 70th anniversary; the winner will be announced in London on 26 October.