Aitana Bonmatí is a Barcelona midfielder and Spain international, shaping the Women’s game with elite ball control, work rate and titles.
The 70th Ballon d’Or is set to be awarded in London on October 26. Kane, Bellingham, and Rice headline the men’s shortlist, with Messi and Mbappé among others on the list. The ceremony marks a milestone anniversary; the competition has featured a global lineup and continues to spark debate over the year’s standout performers.
Fernandez has renewed with London City after a standout season in which she played every Women’s Super League match, earned fans’ player of the season, and helped the club to sixth in their debut top-flight campaign. She previously won multiple titles with Barcelona and has featured for Spain at Euro 2025.
The Guardian, New York Times and BBC report that Alexia Putellas has won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for a third time, becoming the only player to achieve the feat and the first from a Women’s Super League club. Barcelona’s dominance is highlighted, with Pajor as runner-up and Shaw in third. The ceremony also notes Spain’s continued dominance in the women’s game and the broader debate on equality in the awards process.
Harry Kane has won the men's Ballon d’Or at a London ceremony, after scoring 73 goals across the 2025/26 season for Bayern Munich and England. Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or. Kane becomes England’s first Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen in 2001, and he thanks teammates, staff and family in a emotional acceptance.