England beat Spain to clinch the European Championship title on Sunday – and that tournament is likely to have a big impact on the Golden Ball
In the last few years, it’s seemed relatively easy to predict the winner of the Ballon d’Or Feminin. In 2025, though, it feels incredibly tricky, especially after England’s win over Spain in Sunday’s European Championship final. Alexia Putellas was the slight favourite going into the tournament, with Mariona Caldentey hot on her heels and Aitana Bonmati well in the mix for a third Golden Ball in a row. However, all three were on the losing side in Basel.
For England’s stars, it’s quite a different story. Among their heroes are players who have enhanced their case for the Ballon d’Or and outsiders who have now thrown their hats firmly into the ring, having backed up strong seasons with stand-out summers. After all, we all know how the voting goes for these awards in this day and age; there is immense weight placed upon these major tournaments by many of the voters.
It’s not just the Euros that have been going on, either. The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations came to its climax on Saturday, as Nigeria came from 2-0 down to beat Morocco in a thrilling final, while the Copa America heads into its knockout stage. So, with the latter the last competition of real note that will impact voting before nominees are revealed on August 7, who is leading the race to win this year’s Ballon d’Or now? GOAL takes a look at the contenders…
