Temwa Chawinga, Ewa Pajor, Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo, and Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw make up the five-player shortlist for the honor. The contenders boast major recent achievements, ranging from international qualification milestones to multi-trophy domestic seasons and continental championships. In an update to the award's format, the recipient will be announced live during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show on 13 December. Supporters have until the morning of 18 November to submit their choices across digital platforms.
Key points
Five international stars were shortlisted based on their professional performances betwee…: Five international stars were shortlisted based on their professional performances between September 2025 and August 2026.
The nominee pool includes players who secured major silverware, such as the Women's Natio…: The nominee pool includes players who secured major silverware, such as the Women's Nations League and the inaugural Women's Champions Cup.
Broad coverage across the BBC World Service, website, and app will accompany the final wi…: Broad coverage across the BBC World Service, website, and app will accompany the final winner reveal on 13 December.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Published
Voting is now open for the BBC World Service Women's Footballer of the Year 2026.
Fans worldwide can vote from the five-player shortlist of Temwa Chawinga, Ewa Pajor, Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo and Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw.
The vote closes on Wednesday, 18 November at 09:00 GMT.
For the first time in the award's history, the winner will be announced as part of the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday, 13 December as well as on the BBC World Service and the BBC Sport website and app.
Contenders for the award - now in its 12th year - are nominated by coaches, journalists and former professionals. It covers the period September 2025-August 2026.
Cast your vote, and read more on the five contenders.
Temwa Chawinga
Age: 28 Country: Malawi
Club: Kansas City Position: Forward
Chawinga has established herself as one of the world's most prolific forwards.
Her impact on the National Women's Soccer League is clear. Her extraordinary form helped Kansas City Current clinch the NWSL Shield as the league's top team in the regular season.
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