Who won the women's football ballon d'or

Understanding the prestigious ballon d'or féminin

The Ballon d'Or Féminin stands as the pinnacle of individual recognition in women's football, celebrated annually to honor the world's most outstanding female player. Since its inception in 2018, the award has rapidly become a significant benchmark for excellence, shining a global spotlight on the talent, dedication, and achievements of top athletes. For fans and aspiring players alike, understanding who won the women's football Ballon d'Or each year offers a fascinating journey through the sport's recent history, highlighting pivotal performances, groundbreaking records, and the evolving landscape of women's professional football.

This esteemed accolade, presented by France Football, goes beyond mere statistics, considering a player's impact, leadership, and contribution to both club and national team success throughout the calendar year. Each winner embodies the highest standards of the game, setting new precedents and inspiring countless individuals. Let's delve into the illustrious list of players who have claimed this coveted prize, detailing their remarkable paths to becoming the answer to who won the women's football Ballon d'Or.

Ada hegerberg: the historic inaugural winner (2018)

The inaugural Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2018 marked a monumental step forward for women's football, and the answer to who won the women's football Ballon d'Or first was the formidable Norwegian striker, Ada Hegerberg. Playing for Olympique Lyonnais at the time, Hegerberg's triumph was the culmination of an extraordinary season defined by prolific goal-scoring and unparalleled team success. She was instrumental in Lyon's UEFA Women's Champions League victory, where she scored an incredible 15 goals in just nine matches during the 2017-2018 campaign, setting a new record for the competition.

Her standout performance included a memorable hat-trick in the Champions League final against German giants VfL Wolfsburg, a testament to her clinical finishing and big-game temperament. Hegerberg's raw power, intelligent movement, and ability to consistently find the back of the net made her an undeniable choice for the first-ever award. Her victory not only celebrated her individual brilliance but also placed her firmly in the history books as the trailblazer, the first player to officially answer the question of who won the women's football Ballon d'Or, forever linking her name with the award's pioneering spirit.

Alexia putellas: unprecedented back-to-back success (2021, 2022)

When considering who won the women's football Ballon d'Or in consecutive years, one name immediately comes to mind: Alexia Putellas. The Spanish midfielder and captain of FC Barcelona Femení achieved this remarkable feat in 2021 and 2022, cementing her legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats. Her first victory in 2021 followed an incredible season where she led Barcelona to a historic treble, securing the Primera División, Copa de la Reina, and the UEFA Women's Champions League. Putellas was not merely a midfield maestro; she was also Barcelona's top scorer, bagging 26 goals across all competitions.

Despite suffering a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury just before the UEFA Women's Euro 2022, her outstanding performances in the early part of the 2021-2022 season and her continued inspirational role for Barcelona saw her retain the award in 2022. During this period, she guided Barcelona to another domestic league title and a Champions League final appearance. Putellas's unparalleled vision, exceptional dribbling, precise passing, and ability to score crucial goals from midfield made her an undisputed force, demonstrating a level of consistent excellence that emphatically answered the question of who won the women's football Ballon d'Or for two years running.

Aitana bonmatí: the reigning world champion (2023)

The most recent answer to who won the women's football Ballon d'Or is another shining star from FC Barcelona Femení: Aitana Bonmatí. In 2023, Bonmatí was crowned the best female player in the world, capping off a truly sensational year for both club and country. Her masterful performances were central to FC Barcelona securing yet another Liga F and UEFA Women's Champions League double. Bonmatí's exquisite control, intelligent movement, and ability to dictate the tempo of play saw her recognized as the UEFA Women's Champions League Player of the Season.

However, it was on the international stage where Bonmatí truly cemented her claim. She was the driving force behind Spain's historic triumph at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, where she received the prestigious Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player. Her mesmerizing displays in Australia and New Zealand, including a crucial goal and dominance in midfield, propelled Spain to their first-ever World Cup title. Bonmatí's blend of technical skill, tactical awareness, and relentless work rate made her an undeniable choice, further solidifying Barcelona's global influence and providing a resounding answer to who won the women's football Ballon d'Or for the 2023 season.

The criteria and broader impact of the ballon d'or féminin

The selection process for who won the women's football Ballon d'Or involves a meticulous evaluation by a panel of international football journalists. Their votes are based on several crucial criteria, ensuring that the most deserving player receives this esteemed recognition:

• Individual Performance: This is paramount, focusing on the player's skill, talent, consistency, and general impact on matches throughout the season. Key metrics include goals, assists, defensive contributions, and creative play. For example, Ada Hegerberg's record-breaking Champions League goals were undeniable evidence of her individual prowess.
• Team Success: The collective achievements of the player's club and national team play a significant role. Winning major tournaments such as the UEFA Women's Champions League or the FIFA Women's World Cup often elevates a player's candidacy significantly, as seen with Alexia Putellas's treble and Aitana Bonmatí's World Cup glory.
• Fair Play and Sportsmanship: While individual performance and team success are primary, a player's conduct on and off the field is also considered, reflecting the values of the sport.

Beyond simply answering who won the women's football Ballon d'Or, the award has had a transformative impact on women's football. It has dramatically increased the visibility and recognition of female athletes, attracting greater media coverage, enhancing fan engagement, and drawing more corporate sponsorships to the women's game. By celebrating the absolute best, it provides role models for aspiring female footballers globally, inspiring a new generation to pursue their dreams. The award underscores the rapid growth, professionalization, and immense talent within women's football, pushing for greater equality and investment in the sport worldwide.