2025 women's Ballon d'Or: Temwa Chawinga, Barbra Banda and all the nominees | OneFootball

The list of 30 finalists showcases the diversity of global football, with 19 first-time nominees.

2025 women's Ballon d'Or: Temwa Chawinga, Barbra Banda and all the nominees

The shortlist of 30 contenders for the 2025 Women's Ballon d'Or was unveiled on August 7, 2025. Among them are two African stars, Temwa Chawinga (Malawi), Barbra Banda (Zambia), and several leading European talents. The award ceremony will take place on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

English players dominate the list with eight representatives, underlining the continued rise of the Women's Super League. Arsenal leads the British charge with four nominees: Mariona Caldentey, Steph Catley, Emily Fox, Frida Leonhardsen Maanum, and Alessia Russo. Chelsea completes the English contingent with Lucy Bronze, Sandy Baltimore, Hannah Hampton, and Johanna Rytting Karneryd.

Africa shines with two top-level representatives. Temwa Chawinga from Malawi and Barbra Banda from Zambia carry the hopes of the continent. Temwa Chawinga makes the finalists after a sensational season with Kansas City Current. The Malawian striker notched up 20 goals and 7 assists in 28 matches, also claiming the US and Mexico Summer Championships Cup.

Her fellow African, Zambian Barbra Banda, also makes the list after a standout campaign with Orlando Pride in the NWSL, tallying 17 goals and 4 assists in 35 appearances.

Meanwhile, FC Barcelona continues its strong presence with five nominees. Reigning winner Aitana Bonmati is well-placed to defend her crown, joined by teammates Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro, Ewa Pajor, Claudia Pina, and Alexia Putellas. This Barcelona-heavy selection highlights the Catalan club's ongoing dominance in European football.