Orlando Pride First Non-European Club With Three Women’s Ballon d’Or Nominations

The 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominations highlight a historic moment for women’s football, with Orlando Pride making history as the first non-European club to receive three nominations: forward Barbra Banda and midfielder Marta, alongside a club nomination. Marta, 39, who captained Orlando Pride to their first NWSL Shield and Championship titles in 2024 and recently led Brazil to a Copa América Femenina victory, earned her third Ballon d’Or nomination, the most among NWSL players. The list also features European powerhouses, including FC Barcelona with multiple nominees like Aitana Bonmati, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner aiming for a third consecutive win, and Alexia Putellas. England’s European Championship-winning squad is well represented with five players nominated, such as captain Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who also contends for the Yachine Trophy. Arsenal leads with seven players nominated, reflecting their Champions League success, and the NWSL is represented further by players like Temwa Chawinga, Sofia Cantore, and Esther González. The winners will be announced in Paris on September 22, underscoring the global growth and competitive diversity in women's football.