NWSL Trio Named on 2026 Ballon d'Or Shortlist

Three players currently competing in the United States have secured their places on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. As the global football community prepares for Monday’s prestigious gala, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) continues to demonstrate its ability to house some of the world's most elite talent.

Rose Lavelle stands out as the only North American player in contention for this year’s award. Now established as the star of Gotham FC, Lavelle’s nomination follows a remarkable season where she proved clinical in the NWSL playoffs. Her campaign reached its peak when she netted the winning goal in the Championship final against her former side, Washington Spirit.

A History of Success

This is the second time Lavelle has featured among the nominees, having previously made the shortlist in 2019. That year was a landmark for American soccer, as Megan Rapinoe claimed the Ballon d’Or Féminin, while teammate Alex Morgan finished third. Both players were instrumental in the World Cup victory under manager Jill Ellis. Lavelle herself is a veteran of the national team with 124 senior caps and a famous goal in the 2019 World Cup final.

Joining Lavelle on the current shortlist are two other NWSL standouts: Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga. Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride, was born in Zambia, while Kansas City Current’s Chawinga hails from Malawi. Their inclusion ensures that the American league maintains a strong presence at the awards, matching the three representatives it sent to the gala last year.

While US-based players have frequently appeared on shortlists, winning the top prize remains a challenge. Historical precedents include Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach, and Carli Lloyd, who all won the FIFA World Player of the Year award. However, the Ballon d'Or has often leaned toward European-based talent due to the strength of their leagues and more accessible viewing schedules.

In the men’s category, recognition for MLS-based players remains rare. Although Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 during his debut season with Inter Miami, that achievement was primarily recognized as a tribute to his World Cup performance with Argentina rather than his domestic league form.