2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony Approaches

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set for Monday, October 26, bringing together the finest in soccer for this renowned awards event. As we anticipate the announcement of the best players selected by Football France, let’s explore six nominees from the Americas.

Rose Lavelle – Gotham FC

I glide through the midfield, leaving defenders in my wake. In the crucial moments of thebiggest games, it’s when I truly shine. Just one perfectly executed strike can seal a championship. Who am I, that creator of moments that seem magical?

Lavelle’s list of achievements is quite impressive. She was named the 2025 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year after clinching the NWSL Championship, where she was also recognized as the MVP of the finals. Not long after, she grabbed the Challenge Cup. Yet, her nomination primarily stems from her influence beyond just goals or trophies.

Her impact during Gotham’s playoff journey was paramount, excelling at the highest pressure points. Although she missed the beginning of the 2025 season, Lavelle made up for it with seven goal contributions in the last nine regular season matches, culminating in a championship-winning goal in the 80th minute.

There’s something special about Lavelle’s capacity to transform a challenging season into a championship triumph. She has this knack for maintaining composure under pressure, skillfully navigating the midfield, and generating attacking plays that elevate her team’s performance.

Lily Yohannes – OL Lyonnes

Despite my youth, I firmly belong on Europe’s grand stage. With sharp vision and steady composure, I help my team remain formidable. Eyeing both a domestic treble and a European final—who am I, the bright rising star?

At just 19, Lily Yohannes has made her mark at one of Europe’s elite clubs in her first season. Her participation with Lyonnes in the UEFA Champions League provided the perfect backdrop to exhibit her passing ability and ball control.

This past year has undeniably been a standout for Yohannes. She not only earned a nomination for the Kopa Trophy (awarded to the season’s top young talent) but also for the Ballon d’Or Feminin.

In addition to reaching the Champions League final, Yohannes contributed to her team’s French domestic treble and was named UEFA’s Women’s Champions League Revelation of the Season.

Ann-Katrin Berger – Gotham FC

When the strikers come at me, I become the barrier. I turn their celebrations into missed opportunities. Clean sheets and silverware are essential to my narrative. Who am I, the steadfast last line that stands between defeat and glory?

If you’re looking for a reliable goalkeeper with exceptional shot-stopping skills who commands the field, Ann-Katrin Berger is the one.

With a solid performance record that includes 36 matches played, 24 goals allowed, and 23 clean sheets, her decisive play in high-stakes scenarios has led to her nomination for the Yashin Trophy.

Scarlett Camberos – Club America

Goals are my medium, assists my passion. I instill fear in defenses and lay the groundwork for champions. From Mexico to the continental stage, I’ve helped my team thrive. Who am I, the forward bringing home trophies and recognition?

It’s worth highlighting one of Mexico’s shining talents…

It seems the soccer gods had grander plans for Scarlett Camberos, especially after she wasn’t selected by an NWSL club years back. That particular setback must have been disheartening, yet it led her to make history as the first Mexican player nominated for the Ballon d’Or Feminin.

Her nomination follows a successful season where she led Club América to a treble, which included a continental title, and recorded an impressive 44 goal contributions. She also shone during both the Mexican playoffs and the Concacaf W Champions Cup final.

Camberos’ flourishing performance and her team’s achievements clearly supported each other. She was not only prolific but delivered in the most critical phases of two title-winning campaigns, drawing attention to the Mexican league and her club, which is also nominated for Women’s Club of the Year.

Interestingly, she has since played in the NWSL for Angel City and Bay FC. Kudos to Scarlett.

Lorena – Kansas City Current

I guard the goal, a place few breach. In Kansas City blue, I have set a wall of records. With a Shield in hand and numerous clean sheets, who am I, the Brazilian keeper rivals dread?

Lorena played a vital role in leading Kansas City during an unforgettable 2025 season, setting records along the way. She was honored as the 2025 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year after securing 14 clean sheets and achieving 690 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal, both league milestones.

Her shot-stopping prowess was essential to the team’s remarkable journey, and her individual accolades demonstrate that she thrived beyond just benefiting from a well-trained defense. On the international front, she was instrumental in helping her national team secure the Copa América, notably stopping two penalties in a shootout.

Lorena’s season is a testament to how individual excellence aligns with team success, setting new benchmarks for defense in the NWSL.

Temwa Chawinga – KC Current

From Malawi to the NWSL, I’ve made my mark. With two MVP titles under my belt, my name is securely placed in history. With Golden Boots and scores aplenty, I contributed to Kansas City’s historical success once again. Who am I, the striker opponents fear? A Ballon d’Or nominee for the second consecutive year!

Temwa Chawinga has rewritten records. She is the first player in NWSL history to win the MVP and Golden Boot awards back-to-back in 2024 and 2025.

Notably, she set the record as the fastest player to reach 30 goals in the regular season, achieving this feat in just 40 games. Last season, her performance of 15 goals in 23 regular-season matches not only earned her the Golden Boot but was also crucial in propelling Kansas City’s remarkable campaign. Although they did not clinch the Championship, they secured the Shield and established league records with 65 points and 21 victories.

Chawinga enjoyed a superb run with her national team in WAFCON, although the tournament concluded after the Ballon d’Or consideration period (from August 3, 2025, to July 19) may not work in her favor.