GOALThe last three Golden Ball winners have represented Barcelona and Spain, and it looks likely that at least one of those themes will continue
And so the window has closed for players to stake their claim for this year's Ballon d'Or. The women's football tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games was the final chance for stars to throw their hats in the ring and several did, while others strengthened their already strong cases. Now, there is left to do is wait for France Football to dish out the award.
Historically, players from the United States have struggled to really make their mark in the race for the Ballon d'Or, with it always midway through the NWSL season when the window being judged closes. That was different in 2019, when the U.S. won the World Cup, and it could be this year, after its triumph at Paris 2024.
But there is also a whole European season that will be factored in as well, in which players from Barcelona in particular shone as the Catalans won another Champions League title. The last three winners of the Golden Ball have come from Barca – and it's likely that the names of Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas will be on the shortlist again this time around.
So, who is in the running for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Feminin? GOAL takes a look at the contenders…
Previous update: August 2, 2024.
