Ballon d’Or Féminin Race Heats Up

The **Ballon d’Or Féminin** race is entering its most critical phase, where international glory often becomes the deciding factor for football’s most prestigious individual prize. While the club season provides the foundation for any candidate’s campaign, major summer tournaments like the UEFA Women’s EURO, Copa América Femenina, and the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations are where legends are forged and votes are won. The narrative for the 2024 award has been particularly compelling, shifting dramatically after a UEFA Women’s Champions League final that defied expectations.

Before that final in Lisbon, the conversation was dominated by FC Barcelona. Fresh off another dominant domestic season where they secured a treble, their galaxy of stars seemed poised to lock out the podium. However, Arsenal’s tactical masterclass resulted in a stunning 1-0 victory, blowing the race for the Golden Ball wide open. Suddenly, the invincibility of the Catalan giants was pierced, reminding voters that team success, while important, doesn’t guarantee individual accolades. This result has magnified the importance of national team performances, making every match on the international stage a potential make-or-break moment for the top contenders.

## Analyzing the Ballon d’Or Féminin Contenders

The landscape of contenders for the **Ballon d’Or Féminin** is a mix of established superstars and emerging talents who have excelled for both club and country. While Barcelona’s players remain central to the discussion due to their sheer domestic dominance and individual brilliance, players from other top European leagues and even the NWSL are making undeniable cases. The criteria for voters often weigh heavily on big-game performances, consistency over the season, and, crucially, success in major international competitions. As the knockout stages of these tournaments approach, the pressure intensifies, and a few key players have positioned themselves at the front of the pack.

### The Barcelona Contingent: Still the Favorites?

Despite the sting of the Champions League final defeat, it is impossible to ignore the formidable candidates from FC Barcelona. The team’s performance throughout the Liga F and Copa de la Reina was nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing a level of football that is often a class apart.

Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning holder of the **Ballon d’Or Féminin**, continues to be the benchmark for midfield excellence. Her ability to dictate play, her vision, and her knack for scoring crucial goals make her the natural front-runner. She followed up her stellar 2023 with another season of sublime consistency. Alongside her, the return of two-time winner Alexia Putellas from injury has been a significant storyline. While she may not have had a full season, her influence and world-class talent are undeniable every time she steps on the pitch.

Furthermore, players like Mariona Caldentey and Patri Guijarro have been instrumental to Barça’s success. Caldentey’s versatility and clutch performances have been vital, while Guijarro remains one of the most intelligent and underrated midfielders in the world. Their contributions to a team that won a domestic treble cannot be overlooked by the award’s voters.

## Power Rankings: The Top 5 Challengers

As the season has unfolded, a clear hierarchy has started to form. Here is our assessment of the top five players currently leading the charge for the Golden Ball.

#### 1. Aitana Bonmatí (FC Barcelona / Spain)

The incumbent remains the player to beat. Bonmatí has maintained the ridiculously high standards she set last year. As the creative engine for a dominant Barcelona and a non-negotiable starter for a formidable Spanish national team, her case is almost unassailable.