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Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey were the only two Arsenal Women players nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Russo was unlucky not to win the award last year, as she was key to Arsenal's Champions League win and England's victory at the European Championships. Russo was also the top scorer in the Women's Super League that season, but finished third, with Aitana BonmatĂ of Barcelona winning the award.
Caldentey came second last year and is still a strong contender. There is a notable absence of other Arsenal players nominated for this year's award. Beth Mead, who was at Arsenal last season before moving to Manchester City over the summer, even missed out. Here are five current Gunners players who can count themselves unlucky not to be nominated for this year's Ballon d'Or.
Five Arsenal players unlucky to miss out on Ballon d'Or nominations
Chole Kelly
Kelly has looked rejuvenated since she joined Arsenal from Manchester City. Her stats may not be as impressive as those of the likes of Russo, but her impact in big games is immense.
The attacking midfielder always shows up in the biggest games. She should at least have been nominated, despite the depth of talented forward players in the women's game right now.
Leah Williamson
The Ballon d'Or award is often given to attacking players. Therefore, a defender such as Williamson stands little chance of winning the award. This is despite her leadership qualities and influence on Arsenal and England. Williamson should at least have been nominated.
Steph Catley
Williamson's centre-back partner at Arsenal, Catley, is also unlucky to miss out on a nomination. The Australian is perhaps one of the most underrated defenders in the WSL. Arsenal's recent success has been built around a top defensive structure, with Catley being instrumental to that structure.
Emily Fox
Fox is a key player for Arsenal and the United States Women's National Team. However, as she is a full-back, Ballon d'Or nominations are always going to go to more attacking players. This is not to say that Fox does not contribute going forward, as she got an assist in the Champions Cup final when the Gunners defeated Corinthians 3-2 this year.
Frida Maanum
Maanum is another Arsenal player who should at least have been nominated. She was able to produce 10 goal involvements in the WSL last season from midfield. This is impressive as she is a versatile midfielder who is just as happy to defend.
That said, perhaps it is a positive that the Gunners do not have too many players nominated for this individual award. Football is a team game, and Arsenal are no doubt more about the collective.
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