Arsenal’s Nominations for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin
In an exciting announcement, seven members from Arsenal have earned nominations for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin. This prestigious recognition comes shortly after Arsenal secured the Women’s Champions League title in May, marking the club’s second European championship after an 18-year dry spell.
Nominated Players
The nominated players include:
- Leah Williamson
- Chloe Kelly
- Mariona Caldentey
- Alessia Russo
- Frida Maanum
- Steph Catley
- Emily Fox
Among this group, Alessia Russo stands out, having secured both the Champions League and Euro 2025 titles, along with being the top scorer in the Women’s Super League (WSL), positioning her as a strong candidate for a top-five finish alongside her teammate Caldentey.
Comparison with Other Clubs
Across the board, Arsenal leads with the most nominees from any single club. In comparison, Barcelona follows with six nominations that feature past winner Alexia Putellas and current titleholder Aitana Bonmatí. Additionally, Chelsea, who achieved a domestic treble, boasts four nominees including Euro 2025 winner Hannah Hampton and Lucy Bronze.
International Representation
The English representatives within the top two clubs of the WSL stem from a successful campaign, as Sarina Wiegman’s side held onto their European Championship title. While Michelle Agyemang is recognized with a nomination for the Kopa Trophy, the representation of players from the United States women’s national team (USWNT) is minimal, with only Fox and OL Lyon’s Linsey Heaps being included. Notably missing from the nominee list are key players Naomi Girma, Mal Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman, who have faced significant time off since the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Dominance of European Players
Despite the scheduling of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) limiting the number of North American nominees to just five, European players dominate the nominations. Of the total 30 candidates, 24 are sourced from Europe, with 11 representing the WSL alone. The awards will evaluate performances from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, taking into account individual and team accomplishments as well as sportsmanship.
Best Women’s Manager Award
In a broader scope, Arsenal’s Renee Slegers and Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor are both in contention for the Best Women’s Manager award, alongside Sarina Wiegman, Justine Madugu, and Arthur Elias, while former USWNT coach Emma Hayes has been overlooked despite her Olympic success.
Upcoming Ceremony
Set to unfold on September 22, this year’s Ballon d’Or Féminin ceremony introduces several changes, notably being held outside of a women’s international break—a shift influenced by past critiques concerning attendance difficulties for female players. Moreover, for the first time, the event will also feature Kopa and Yachine trophies aimed at young players and goalkeepers respectively.
