Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga Lead NWSL Contingent in Ballon d'Or Féminin Nominations

The global hierarchy of women's football has officially shifted westward, with the National Women's Soccer League placing four players on the 30-woman shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Féminin. Leading that charge are two African forwards who have spent the past year dismantling defenses across two continents: Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda and Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga. Their inclusion on the sport's most exclusive ballot, announced by France Football on September 8, cements a landmark moment for both the North American league and African football on the world stage.[1][3]

For Banda, the recognition marks a historic third consecutive nomination—the most ever achieved by an African female footballer. The Zambian captain has engineered a record-setting 2026 campaign in Florida, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists to shatter Orlando's single-season scoring record of 13, previously held by Brazilian icon Marta.[2]

"We are incredibly proud to see Barbra recognized with her third Women's Ballon d'Or nomination," said Caitlin Carducci, Orlando Pride's Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager. "This honor reflects the impact she continues to have for both club and country and is a testament to the consistency, dedication and elite level she brings to the game every day."[2]

Banda's dominance extended seamlessly to the international arena. At the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, she captained Zambia and finished as the nation's leading scorer with five goals and one assist across three matches. During a 6-0 demolition of Egypt, Banda became the first player in tournament history to be directly involved in six goals in a single match.[2]

Matching her stride is Malawi's Temwa Chawinga, who earned her second consecutive Ballon d'Or nomination after establishing herself as the most lethal finisher in the United States. The Kansas City Current striker is the back-to-back NWSL Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot winner.[1][3]

Chawinga's international resume proved equally unassailable. She spearheaded Malawi's attack at the 2026 WAFCON, capturing the tournament's Golden Boot with five goals and two assists. Her performances not only secured individual accolades but also elevated Malawian football to unprecedented global visibility.

The NWSL's footprint on the 2026 ballot extends beyond the two African superstars. Gotham FC midfielder and 2025 U.S. Soccer Player of the Year Rose Lavelle earned her second career nomination, having scored six goals and delivered the game-winning strike in the 2025 NWSL Championship.[1][3]

Kansas City Current goalkeeper Lorena secured the league's fourth outfield nomination following a staggering domestic campaign. The Brazilian shot-stopper recorded 16 clean sheets, including a streak of nine consecutive matches, and set a new league benchmark with 869 consecutive shutout minutes. Both Lorena and Gotham FC's Ann-Katrin Berger—who conceded just 24 goals while earning 23 clean sheets during the qualification period—are also nominated for the Women's Goalkeeper of the Year award.[1]

While the NWSL's rising influence is undeniable, the European establishment remains formidable. UEFA Women's Champions League titleholders Barcelona placed eight players on the shortlist, including two-time winner Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Ewa Pajor.[3]

However, the field is guaranteed to crown a new or returning champion, as two-time reigning Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí was omitted from the 30-player list. The Spanish midfielder endured an injury-struck season that severely limited her playing time during the evaluation window, opening the door for a new recipient.[3]

The 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on October 26, 2026. In a historic departure from tradition, the gala will move from its traditional home in Paris to London, honoring the inaugural 1956 men's winner, Sir Stanley Matthews.[2]

Regardless of who ultimately lifts the Golden Ball, the composition of this year's shortlist confirms a structural evolution in the women's game. With Banda and Chawinga translating domestic dominance into global recognition, the pathway to football's highest individual honor no longer runs exclusively through European superclubs.