Top contenders and nominees for the 2024 Women’s Ballon d'Or: Will Bonmati or Graham Hansen win?

The Ballon d'Or Féminin 2024 is set to honour the world's best player on October 28, and with a packed list of nominees, the award race is heating up. Two players who have emerged as top contenders are Barcelona stars Caroline Graham Hansen and Aitana Bonmatí. Both had standout seasons, helping Barcelona clinch multiple trophies and setting the stage for another thrilling Ballon d'Or ceremony.

With Barcelona achieving unparalleled success last season, the Catalan club has a record five players on the nominee list, including Putellas, Guijarro, and Paralluelo. The nominees' lineup also includes several international stars who delivered impressive performances at both club and international levels. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders, key nominees, and the past Ballon d'Or Féminin winners.

2024 Women's Ballon d'Or Top Contenders

Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona, Norway)

• Stats: 33 goals, 28 assists (61 goal contributions)

Trophies:

• UEFA Women’s Champions League 23/24
• Liga F 23/24
• Supercopa de España 2024
• Copa de la Reina 2024
• MVP - Supercopa de Espanya

Caroline Graham Hansen had an extraordinary season, leading Liga F in both goals and assists. With 33 goals and 28 assists across all competitions, she recorded 61 goal contributions, making her one of the most lethal attackers in European football. Hansen’s impressive play was instrumental in Barcelona’s treble-winning season, and her MVP performances, including in the Spanish Supercopa final, have put her in strong contention for her first Ballon d'Or.

Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)

• Stats: 19 goals, 18 assists (37 goal contributions)

Trophies:

• UEFA Women’s Champions League 23/24
• UEFA Women’s Nations League
• Liga F 23/24
• Supercopa de España 2024
• Copa de la Reina 2024
• UWCL Player of the Season 23/24

Aitana Bonmati, last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, continued her form, making significant contributions to Barcelona’s season. Her stellar performances, including critical goals in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, earned her the title of UWCL Player of the Season. Bonmati’s vision, playmaking, and leadership on the field have made her a central figure in Barcelona’s success, and she is again a top contender to retain her Ballon d’Or title.

Complete list of 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees

Past Women's Ballon d'Or winners

The Women’s Ballon d’Or, introduced in 2018, has quickly become one of the most coveted individual prizes in women’s football. Alexia Putellas, a two-time winner, and Bonmatí, the reigning holder, have brought the trophy to Barcelona three times, showcasing the club’s dominance. As the 2024 ceremony approaches, all eyes will be on the incredible season stats of Bonmatí and Graham Hansen, who both aim to keep the trophy in Barcelona.

Women's Ballon d'Or winners 2018-2023

Other key nominees and international factors

While Barcelona leads the nominations with five players, international achievements may also impact the 2024 Women's Ballon d'Or outcome. Players like Lindsey Horan and Sophia Smith, who excelled in the 2024 Olympics, could factor into the decision, especially given the U.S. Women's National Team’s gold medal success. Such international performances often influence voters, and other contenders from France and England, including Grace Geyoro and Lauren James, have been equally impressive on both domestic and international fronts.

Women’s Ballon d’Or 2024: Clubs and Coaches also in the spotlight

Alongside individual awards, the 2024 Ballon d'Or gala will also honour clubs and coaches. For the Women’s Club of the Year Trophy, FC Barcelona for the second time leads the nominees following their record-breaking season, joined by Chelsea, Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, and NJ/NY Gotham.

For the Women's Coach of the Year Trophy, several key figures are in contention:

As the Ballon d'Or gala draws closer, the competition is fiercer than ever. Watch the Ballon d'Or ceremony, live and for free on DAZN.