Ballon d'Or: Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, and Lucy Bronze Nominated

England Trio Nominated for Women's Ballon d'Or

In an exciting announcement, England stars Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, and Lucy Bronze have received nominations for the prestigious Women's Ballon d'Or. This recognition showcases their outstanding performances in the Women's Super League (WSL) and on international stages.

30-Player Shortlist Unveiled

The nominations were revealed by France Football, the organizers of the awards, featuring a total of 30 players on the shortlist. Alongside the England trio, notable players such as Khadija "Bunny" Shaw, Mariona Caldentey, Sjoeke Nuske, Mayra Ramirez, and Yui Hasegawa also made the cut.

Champions League Triumphs

This past season saw both Lucy Bronze and Mariona Caldentey lifting the Champions League trophy with FC Barcelona before making significant transfers to the WSL where they will continue to impress with Chelsea and Arsenal, respectively.

Key Player Contributions

Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw closed the season as the WSL’s top scorer, even though her team fell short of the title against Chelsea. On the other hand, Lauren James was instrumental in ensuring Chelsea clinched their fifth consecutive WSL trophy, all under Emma Hayes’ mentorship before her transition to coach the US Women’s National Team (USWNT).

Coaching and Team Accolades

Emma Hayes, now former manager of Chelsea, along with the Lionesses’ head coach Sarina Wiegman, has also earned a place on the shortlist for Coach of the Year. They are joined by Chelsea’s new head coach Sonia Bompastor.

Women's Team of the Year Nominees

In addition to individual honors, Chelsea has been nominated for Women's Team of the Year, alongside Champions League winners Barcelona.

Complete Women's Ballon d'Or Shortlist

• Lauren Hemp - Manchester City
• Trinity Rodman - Washington Spirit
• Barbra Banda - Shanghai RCB/Orlando Pride
• Tarciane Lime - Houston Dash
• Manuela Giugliano - Roma
• Mallory Swanson - Chicago Red Stars
• Glodis Viggosdottir - Bayern Munich
• Mariona Caldentey - Barcelona/Arsenal
• Lauren James - Chelsea
• Patricia Guijarro - Barcelona
• Lea Schuller - Bayern Munich
• Gabi Portilho - Corinthians
• Tabitha Chawinga - PSG
• Caroline Graham Hansen - Barcelona
• Lindsey Horan - Lyon
• Lucy Bronze - Barcelona/Chelsea
• Yui Hasegawa - Manchester City
• Ada Hegerberg - Lyon
• Sjoeke Nusken - Chelsea
• Aitana Bonmati - Barcelona
• Alex Putellas - Barcelona
• Grace Geyoro - PSG
• Khadija Shaw - Manchester City
• Guilia Gwinn - Bayern Munich
• Salma Paralluelo - Barcelona
• Ewa Pajor - Wolfsburg/Barcelona
• Sophie Smith - Portland Thorns
• Marie-Antoinette Katoto - PSG
• Mayra Ramirez - Chelsea
• Alyssa Naeher - Chicago Red Stars

Women's Coach of the Year Shortlist

• Sonia Bompastor - Chelsea/Lyon
• Arthur Elias - Corinthians/Brazil
• Jonatan Giraldez - Barcelona/Washington Spirit
• Filipa Patao - Benfica
• Sarina Wiegman - England
• Emma Hayes - Chelsea/USWNT

Conclusion

The nominations for the Women's Ballon d'Or are a testament to the growing recognition of female athletes in football. As these stars prepare for the awards, their performances in the ongoing and future seasons will continue to spotlight the incredible talent within women's football.