**Alexia Putellas leads the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or race after Barcelona’s historic quadruple (Champions League, Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Super Cup), where she posted 20 goals and 13 assists while earning Champions League Player of the Season honors.** Aitana Bonmatí’s absence from the 30-nominee shortlist (announced September 8) due to a season-long injury guarantees a new winner and elevates two-time champion Putellas, now at London City Lionesses. Ewa Pajor sits close behind after scoring 11 Champions League goals, including two in the final. Melchie Dumornay, Khadija Shaw, Pernille Harder, and Caroline Graham Hansen round out the strongest cases for top-five placement based on domestic titles, European impact, and goal contributions. The October 26 London ceremony remains the key resolution date, with voting reflecting club dominance and individual peaks from the 2025/26 season.