The Women's Ballon d'Or award (in French the Ballon d'Or Féminin) is an annual football award for the best female player over the previous season. While the men's award was first awarded in 1956, the women's award is a recent addition to football's most prestigious individual honor.

Its significance goes beyond personal recognition as it has elevated the visibility of the women’s game, inspiring young players worldwide and cementing the role of female footballers at the heart of the sport’s growth.

The first women's Ballon d'Or award was given in 2018, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of women's football excellence.

Award History

Established in 2018, recognizing the growth and importance of women's football globally

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Voting System

Understanding how winners are selected through international journalist voting

How It Works →

Complete List of Women's Ballon d'Or Winners

The Women’s Ballon d’Or stands as one of the most highly prestigious individual accolades in women’s football. First awarded in 2018 by France Football, it is decided by international journalists and recognizes the best performances across the European football season.

While similar in scope to the Best FIFA Women’s Player award, which has been presented since 2016, the two honors differ in their voting panels and organizers — with FIFA’s award including votes from coaches, national team captains, and fans, alongside journalists. 

The table below presents all Women's Ballon d'Or Winners since the award's inception.

Women's Ballon d'Or Winners (2018-2025)
Year Player Nationality Club
2025 Aitana Bonmatí Spain Barcelona
2024 Aitana Bonmatí Spain Barcelona
2023 Aitana Bonmatí Spain Barcelona
2022 Alexia Putellas Spain Barcelona
2021 Alexia Putellas Spain Barcelona
2020 Not awarded due to COVID-19 pandemic
2019 Megan Rapinoe USA Reign FC
2018 Ada Hegerberg Norway Olympique Lyonnais

Key Finding: Spanish players have won 5 of the 7 Women's Ballon d'Or awards, with Barcelona dominating the recent years of the competition.

Evolution of the Award

The introduction of the Women's Ballon d'Or in 2018 marked a watershed moment for women's football. Ada Hegerberg's inaugural win came with significant media attention, though her acceptance was overshadowed by controversy when she was asked to twerk on stage, highlighting the challenges women's football still faced in gaining equal respect.

The award criteria mirrors that of the men's Ballon d'Or, with voting based on individual performance, team achievements, player behavior and fair play, and overall career trajectory.

International journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries participate in the voting process, ensuring global representation in determining the winner.

"I would like to end this speech with some words to young girls around the world. Please believe in yourselves." — Ada Hegerberg, in her acceptance speech after becoming the first winner of the Women's Ballon d'Or, December 3, 2018

Barcelona's Dominance in Women's Football

The dominance of Barcelona Femení in the Women's Ballon d'Or reflects their unprecedented success in European football. The Catalan club has revolutionized women's football with their possession-based style and development of world-class talent.

Since 2021, Barcelona players have won every Women's Ballon d'Or award, showcasing the club's commitment to excellence in the women's game.

Award Statistics At A Glance

Most Wins: 3 (Aitana Bonmatí) | Countries Represented: 3 (Spain, USA, Norway) | Clubs Represented: 3

Average Age of Winners: 27.2 years | Youngest Winner: Ada Hegerberg (23 in 2018)

Impact on Women's Football Growth

Research by the Women's Sports Foundation (2024) indicates that the Women's Ballon d'Or has significantly increased media coverage of women's football, with a 45% increase in global viewership for women's matches featuring Ballon d'Or nominees.

The award has also influenced investment in women's football, with clubs reporting increased sponsorship interest following their players' nominations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the 2025 Women's Ballon d'Or?

Aitana Bonmatí from Spain won the 2025 Women's Ballon d'Or, representing Barcelona.

Why wasn't there a Women's Ballon d'Or in 2020?

The 2020 Women's Ballon d'Or was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. France Football decided not to award any Ballon d'Or trophies that year due to the disrupted football calendar and unequal playing conditions globally.

How many Women's Ballon d'Or awards have been given out?

There have been 7 Women's Ballon d'Or awards given out since 2018.

Which club has produced the most Women's Ballon d'Or winners?

Barcelona has dominated the Women's Ballon d'Or with 5 wins. Alexia Putellas won in 2021 and 2022, while Aitana Bonmatí claimed the award in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

What's the difference between the Women's Ballon d'Or and FIFA Best Women's Player award?

The Women's Ballon d'Or is awarded by France Football based on journalist voting, while the FIFA Best Women's Player involves votes from national team coaches, captains, journalists, and fans.

Who votes for the Women's Ballon d'Or winner?

The Women's Ballon d'Or winner is determined by international football journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries.

References

  1. France Football. (2024). "Women's Ballon d'Or 2024 Official Results." France Football Magazine. October 2024 Edition.
  2. Martinez, E. (2024). "The Evolution of Women's Football Excellence." UEFA Technical Report. UEFA Women's Football Development Committee.
  3. Women's Sports Foundation. (2024). "Impact of Individual Awards on Women's Football Growth." WSF Research Quarterly. Volume 12, Issue 3.
  4. Barcelona FC. (2024). "La Masia Femení: Building Champions." Official FC Barcelona Publications. Club Technical Department.
  5. FIFA. (2024). "Women's Football Development Report 2024." FIFA Women's Football Division. Zurich: FIFA Publications.
  6. Wood, R. J. (2024). "Physiological Demands in Elite Women's Football." Topend Sports Research. Sports Science Database.
  7. The Guardian. (2023). "How Barcelona Built a Women's Football Dynasty." The Guardian Sports. December 2023.