Analysis: 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or

From Bonmatí to Caldentey: Who Stands Tall in the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or Race?

The Women’s Ballon d’Or is back in focus, and this year the contest feels tighter than ever. Aitana Bonmatí is chasing a record-breaking third straight crown, while newcomers and veterans alike are staking their claim after a season of domestic dominance and international triumphs.

Since Ada Hegerberg lifted the first Women’s Ballon d’Or in 2018, only Alexia Putellas (2021, 2022) and Bonmatí (2023, 2024) have managed to win it more than once. The question now is simple: will the trophy remain in Barcelona’s grasp, or will fresh faces break the duopoly?

Here are seven names who have built the strongest case for the 2025 honour.

Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal/Spain)
Caldentey swapped Barcelona for Arsenal last summer and became the spark behind their Champions League victory over her former side. With 14 goal contributions in the WSL and seven goals in Europe, she proved decisive. Beyond scoring, her relentless pressing and ability to dictate build-up made her the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield.

Marta (Orlando Pride/Brazil)
At 37, Marta remains a force. She returned from international retirement to guide Brazil to another Copa América crown, scoring twice in the final. With nine league goals for Orlando Pride and six tournament contributions for Brazil, her numbers show she still thrives on the biggest stages.

Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain)
Healthy and in rhythm again, Putellas reasserted her dominance. She tallied 16 goals and 11 assists in Liga F while also leading Euro 2025 in goal involvements with seven. Even though Barcelona and Spain finished runners-up in Europe, her vision, chance creation, and leadership kept her among the very best.

Alessia Russo (Arsenal/England)
Russo’s poaching instincts delivered silverware at both club and international level. She struck 12 times in the WSL and added seven more in Europe, before scoring a crucial header in England’s Euro final. No forward touched the ball more often in the box than Russo last season, underscoring her predatory style.

Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona/Spain)
The reigning queen of women’s football isn’t slowing down. Bonmatí posted 18 goal contributions in Liga F while leading the league in chance creation, build-up involvements, and midfield entries into the box. Whether in Barcelona colours or for Spain at the Euros, she dictated the flow of games. A third Ballon d’Or in a row is firmly within reach.

Ewa Pajor (Barcelona/Poland)
Barcelona’s new striker broke records in her debut season, hitting 43 goals across all competitions and five hat-tricks. In Liga F, she scored 25 times, showing her pure penalty-box instincts. With Poland reaching their first major tournament finals, Pajor also provided history for her country.

Patri Guijarro (Barcelona/Spain)
Often overshadowed by her more decorated teammates, Guijarro is the silent architect in Barcelona and Spain’s midfield. She topped charts for build-up involvements at Euro 2025 and recorded the most secondary chances created. She may not always appear on the scoresheet, but her fingerprints are all over her teams’ success.