The debate over who rules global women’s football has reached a historic conclusion. At the star-studded gala ceremony in London, the footballing world crowned the winner of the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or (Ballon d’Or Féminin), revealing the official ranking of the top 10 elite players dominating the sport today.
From orchestrating midfield generalship to sheer penalty-box dominance, here is the definitive breakdown of the best female soccer players on earth right now, as voted by an international jury of journalists.
⚡ Editor’s Take & Discover Highlights
- Putellas Reclaims the Crown: Alexia Putellas made history by securing her third Ballon d’Or Féminin, tying compatriot Aitana Bonmatí as the joint-most decorated female player of all time.
- FC Barcelona’s Unstoppable Monopoly: Demonstrating their unrivaled dominance in European club football, Barcelona claims 5 out of the top 8 spots in the entire world.
- Historic Non-European Milestones: Jamaica’s Khadija “Bunny” Shaw (3rd) and Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga (10th) broke major geographic boundaries, underscoring the explosive global spread of elite talent in CAF and CONCACAF.
2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or Top 10 Summary
| Rank | Player | Club / Team | Nationality | Primary Position |
| 1 | Alexia Putellas | FC Barcelona / London City Lionesses | Spain | Midfielder / Attacker |
| 2 | Ewa Pajor | FC Barcelona | Poland | Striker |
| 3 | Khadija “Bunny” Shaw | Manchester City | Jamaica | Striker |
| 4 | Melchie Dumornay | Olympique Lyonnais | Haiti | Midfielder / Forward |
| 5 | Patri Guijarro | FC Barcelona | Spain | Defensive Midfielder |
| 6 | Caroline Graham Hansen | FC Barcelona | Norway | Winger |
| 7 | Pernille Harder | FC Bayern Munich | Denmark | Attacking Midfielder |
| 8 | Claudia Pina | FC Barcelona | Spain | Forward / Winger |
| 9 | Alessia Russo | Arsenal WFC | England | Striker |
| 10 | Temwa Chawinga | Kansas City Current | Malawi | Forward |
Breakdown: The 10 Best Female Soccer Players in the World
1. Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona / London City Lionesses & Spain)
- Ballon d’Or Rank: 1st Place
- Position: Central Midfielder / Playmaker
Alexia Putellas has once again scaled the absolute pinnacle of world football. Capturing her third Ballon d’Or Féminin trophy (adding to her 2021 and 2022 wins), Putellas was named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season after recording 14 direct goal contributions. Her spatial intelligence, effortless tempo control, and big-game leadership confirm her standing as the finest player of her generation. Her summer transition to WSL side London City Lionesses marks the beginning of an exciting era following an legendary spell in Spain.
2. Ewa Pajor (FC Barcelona & Poland)
- Ballon d’Or Rank: 2nd Place
- Position: Striker
Polish international Ewa Pajor earned a deserved runner-up spot following a staggering debut year in Catalonia. Celebrated for her razor-sharp instinct inside the 18-yard box, Pajor provided the clinical edge that catapulted Barcelona through domestic and European competition. She stands as the premier central forward in women’s football today.
See also the ranking of ten beautiful women footballers in the world.
3. Khadija “Bunny” Shaw (Manchester City & Jamaica)
- Ballon d’Or Rank: 3rd Place
- Position: Striker
Jamaica’s goalscoring sensation Khadija “Bunny” Shaw solidified her elite status with a podium finish. Combining immense physical presence, holding capability, and world-class aerial finishing, Shaw proved completely unplayable in the Women’s Super League, carrying both club and country to historic heights.
4. Melchie Dumornay (Olympique Lyonnais & Haiti)
- Ballon d me d’Or Rank: 4th Place
- Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
Haitian prodigy Melchie Dumornay continues her rapid ascent into global superstardom. Operating as the focal creative outlet for French powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais, Dumornay’s lethal speed and technical artistry made her one of the most explosive individual attackers in Europe this season.
5. Patri Guijarro (FC Barcelona & Spain)
- Ballon d’Or Rank: 5th Place
- Position: Defensive Midfielder
Often regarded as the unsung engine of modern football, Patri Guijarro’s top-5 finish gives overdue recognition to world-class tactical discipline. Guijarro’s ability to intercept danger, dictate tempo from deep, and unlock low blocks makes her structurally irreplaceable for both Barcelona and Spain.
6. Caroline Graham Hansen (FC Barcelona & Norway)
- Ballon d’Or Rank: 6th Place
- Position: Right Winger
Norwegian winger Caroline Graham Hansen remains the ultimate 1v1 threat in women’s sports. Her ability to beat defenders on either flank and deliver precise service generated unmatched assist numbers, solidifying her position as an elite wide creator.
7. Pernille Harder (FC Bayern Munich & Denmark)
- Ballon d’Or Rank: 7th Place
- Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
Danish legend Pernille Harder proved once again why her longevity at the top level is legendary. Leading FC Bayern Munich’s attack with incredible movement, tactical flex, and clutch goalscoring, Harder continues to operate among the elite.
8. Claudia Pina (FC Barcelona & Spain)
- Ballon d’Or Rank: 8th Place
- Position: Forward / Left Winger
Claudia Pina’s breakthrough into the top 10 rewards her remarkable knack for turning tight games. Possessing a long-range shooting ability and sharp link-up play, Pina stepped up in crucial European fixtures throughout Barcelona’s campaign.
9. Alessia Russo (Arsenal WFC & England)
- Ballon d’Or Rank: 9th Place
- Position: Striker
England’s star center-forward Alessia Russo leads the line for Arsenal WFC with relentless work rate and tactical intelligence. Known for scoring goals in high-stakes matches, Russo remains the attacking focal point for both club and country.
10. Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current & Malawi)
- Ballon d’Or Rank: 10th Place
- Position: Forward
Malawi international Temwa Chawinga made history as the first player from her nation to rank in the Ballon d’Or top 10. Following a goalscoring run with Kansas City Current in the NWSL, Chawinga’s blistering speed and power established her as one of the most feared transition threats on earth.
⚡ Biggest Surprises & Takeaways from the 2026 Voting
- A Shift in Power: With Putellas re-establishing dominance, Spain has now won four consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin titles across Putellas and Bonmatí.
- NWSL & WSL Surge: The inclusion of top-10 scorers from the NWSL (Chawinga) and WSL (Shaw, Russo) shows that European dominance faces real opposition from North American and English leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or?
Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, earning the historic trophy for a record-equalling third time in her career.
Which club dominates the 2026 top 10?
FC Barcelona leads all clubs with five players featured in the top 10 rankings.
Who is officially ranked as the best female soccer player in the world right now?
According to the official 2026 Ballon d’Or voting, Alexia Putellas holds the #1 ranking in world soccer.