Voting has officially opened for the BBC World Service Women’s Footballer of the Year 2026, featuring a five-player shortlist of standout international stars as reported by BBC Sport. Fans across the globe can cast their ballots for the award until the window closes on Wednesday, 18 November at 09:00 GMT.
Now in its 12th year, the accolade recognises performances evaluated between September 2025 and August 2026, with nominees selected by a panel of coaches, journalists, and former professionals. In a historic first for the prize, the winner will be revealed during the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year broadcast on Sunday, 13 December, alongside announcements on the BBC World Service and the BBC Sport website and app.
The Five Contenders
Malawi forward Temwa Chawinga, 28, has secured her place on the shortlist after stellar form for Kansas City Current, where she scored 15 goals in the 2025 season to help her team claim the NWSL Shield. She became the first player to win back-to-back NWSL MVP awards alongside a second consecutive Golden Boot, earning a contract extension through 2029. Internationally, she teamed up with her sister Tabitha to guide Malawi to their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final and secure historic World Cup qualification, capturing the tournament’s Golden Boot with five goals.
Poland captain and Barcelona forward Ewa Pajor, 29, enjoyed a dominant campaign that included securing four trophies and scoring the opening two goals in Barcelona’s 4–0 Champions League final victory over Lyon, finishing as the competition’s top scorer. She also netted 16 goals in 23 Liga F appearances as Barcelona claimed a domestic treble. Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas, 32, concluded a successful 14-year career with Barcelona by helping them win four major trophies, including a fourth Champions League title, before transferring to London City Lionesses in July 2026. Putellas also helped Spain retain the Women’s Nations League and recently collected a record-equalling third Ballon d’Or.
Arsenal forward Alessia Russo, 27, proved to be an essential attacking asset by scoring 13 Women’s Super League goals and providing six assists last season, helping the Gunners win the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup. She remains a primary striker for England, having scored her 30th international goal in April. Meanwhile, fellow forward Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, 29, spearheaded Manchester City’s Women’s Super League title victory with 21 goals in 22 league appearances, earning a record third consecutive WSL Golden Boot and the WSL Player of the Season honor. Shaw also scored in the FA Cup final to complete a domestic double and signed a new four-year contract through 2030.
Previous Winners
The award has a distinguished history of honoring elite talent in women’s football. Previous recipients include Hannah Hampton in 2025, Barbra Banda in 2024, Mary Earps in 2023, Beth Mead in 2022, Vivianne Miedema in 2021, and Lucy Bronze in 2020. Earlier winners feature Ada Hegerberg in 2019, Lucy Bronze in 2018, Ada Hegerberg in 2017, Kim Little in 2016, and Asisat Oshoala in 2015.
Supporters can access full terms and conditions, read further details on the nominees, and listen to additional content through the BBC Women’s Football Weekly feed.
