Will anyone end Spain's domination of women's Ballon d'Or?
Spanish footballers Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas continue to dominate the women's Ballon d'Or conversation, reflecting Spain's current supremacy in the sport. Experts are questioning whether any other international player can challenge this dominance given the success of Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Why it matters
The article highlights the concentration of talent and success in Spanish women's football, which influences global sports rankings and investment.
Image caption, Alessia Russo (left) and Khadija Shaw (right) are among the contenders seeking to deny Alexia Putellas (centre) a third Ballon d'Or
When the Ballon d'Or for best female footballer is dished out on Monday night, the chances are it will be a familiar figure that lifts the coveted trophy.
Spanish icons Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas have hoovered up the past five awards - and Putellas is favourite to win it for a third time.
In May, the now London City Lionesses forward captained Barcelona to a quadruple, including a third Champions League trophy in four years and their seventh straight Liga F title.
Arguably, the only reason Bonmati is not in the running this time is because of a serious leg injury suffered on international duty in November 2025.
Headlinne story · 6 newsrooms
Harry Kane Claims Ballon d'Or After Record Goal Season
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Kane tipped to beat Yamal, Mbappe to Ballon d'Or glory
Who will win the Ballon d'Or? Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and why 2026 is the most open - and flawed - race in Golden Ball history
Kane is present in London for the Ballon d'Or and Messi is not expected
De la Fuente wins men's Ballon d'Or coach of the year; Pere Romeu bags women’s award
Ballon d'Or: Messi, Yamal and Mbappe among favourites; how the winners are decided
Who votes for Ballon d'Or award? What to know about panel voters
Yamal, Mbappé, Kane and Messi in contention to win the Ballon d'Or. Here's what to know
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in