In 1956, the Ballon d’Or was established to recognize the finest football player, first only from Europe and thereafter worldwide.
However, the Ballon d’Or Feminin, the female version, wasn’t established until 2018 by France Football, the renowned journal that has given out the award for the most of its existence.
Football as a whole has already made the winners of the award household names, as the popularity of women’s football only grows.
The current members of the Ballon d’Or Feminin roll of honor are listed below.
2018 – Ada Hegerberg
2nd: Pernille Harder
3rd: Dzsenifer Marozsan
When Ada Hegerberg, a rising star from Lyon, accepted the 2018 Ballon d’Or Feminin trophy, she was a worthy recipient of the honor.
Hegerberg scored over 50 goals for the club at the end of the 2017–18 campaign, with 15 of those goals coming in the Champions League. She had also made sure she stood out as the finest in 2018 by starting 2018/19 in a scorching manner.
2019 – Megan Rapinoe
2nd: Lucy Bronze
3rd: Alex Morgan
In 2019, Megan Rapinoe made waves both on and off the field, becoming the face of the World Cup and earning a name for herself in the fight for gender parity.
In victories in the quarterfinals and semifinals, as well as in the championship game, the American netted all four goals for her nation. Along with winning the individual Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards, she also took home the World Cup trophy.
2020 – No award
Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, France Football decided not to hold the 2020 Ballon d’Or honors.
Only the months of January and February saw games played under typical circumstances; even then, unique situations, including playing in private, made it challenging to evaluate performances on their normal merits. Furthermore, some players had tournaments canceled, which unfairly affected comparisons.
2021 – Alexia Putellas
2nd Jennifer Hermoso
3rd: Sam Kerr
It was inevitable that a player from Barcelona would win the 2021 Ballon d’Or Feminin following their incredible triple, which was completed off with an incredible Champions League victory.
The driving force behind that accomplishment was Alexia Putellas, who had an incredible individual year, tallying an incredible 37 goals and 27 assists. In addition, she became the captain of Barcelona before Vicky Losada left the team in 2021–2022.
2022- Alexia Putellas
2nd: Beth Mead
3rd: Sam Kerr
After a year, Putellas came back on stage, winning the Ballon d’Or Feminin, a lavish prize for yet another fantastic Barcelona season.
In the women’s game, the standard bearer was absolutely amazing, leading Barcelona to a domestic triple crown in the 2021–2022 campaign. In addition to contributing 11 goals in the Champions League, she helped her team win all 30 of their league games with 18 goals and 15 assists.
Following her consecutive Ballon d’Or victories, Putellas said, “I’m very happy to be back here.” “I felt motivated to improve after I was able to earn this prize a year ago. I could not have done this without my teammates.
2023 – Aitana Bonmati
2nd: Sam Kerr
3rd: Salma Paralluelo
Following victories in Liga F, the Women’s Champions League, and the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Aitana Bonmati, a Spanish star for Barcelona, was the clear favorite to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin.
“I’m very proud to win the Ballon d’Or,” Bonmati remarked in response to her victory. Since football is a team sport, I would like to give my teammates and staff this award as well.”
