2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or: Bonmati, Russo, Putellas as top contenders
Left and right, Barcelona’s Bonmati and Putellas with Arsenal’s Russo in the middle. Photo Credit- Author’s collage
As the Théâtre du Châtelet gears up to host the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony today, the women’s game takes center stage with a trio of exceptional talents vying for football’s most coveted individual prize. Following a transformative 2024/25 season marked by record-breaking performances and historic triumphs, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, alongside Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, have emerged as the top contenders. With the award set to be presented alongside the men’s ceremony this evening, these players embody the evolution of women’s football, blending skill, leadership, and sheer goal-scoring prowess. As the football world watches, their season-long exploits promise to make this a night of celebration and debate.
Aitana Bonmati
Aitana Bonmati, the reigning Ballon d’Or Féminin holder from 2023, has solidified her status as Barcelona’s midfield maestro. In the 2024/25 season, the 27-year-old Spaniard played a pivotal role in Barca’s domestic and European dominance, scoring 12 goals and providing 6 assists across 26 appearances in all competitions. Bonmatí’s 87% pass completion rate and 12 big chances created highlight her unparalleled vision, while her leadership on the international stage, cements her legacy.
Alessia Russo
Arsenal’s 26-year-old striker, has redefined the art of the poacher, leading the Gunners to a second-place WSL finish with 12 goals and 2 assists in 21 games. Her highlight reel includes a stunning overhead kick in the League Cup semi-final against Tottenham, paving the way for a 3-1 aggregate victory and the title. Russo’s 63% shot accuracy and 14 big chances created demonstrate her clinical edge, while her five goals in Euro 2025 qualifying, helping England secure a spot, add international weight. Her consistency (scoring in 75% of WSL matches), positioning her as a dark horse with a narrative of resilience.
Alexia Putellas
The 31-year-old Barcelona captain and 2021 Ballon d’Or winner, has staged a remarkable comeback from her 2022 ACL injury, reasserting her dominance in midfield. Across 24 appearances, she recorded 16 goals and 11 assists, totaling 34 involvements that underpinned Barcelona’s domestic double (La Liga, Copa de la Reina). Her clutch performance in the Champions League, highlights her return to peak form, while her 85% pass completion and 10 big chances created reflect her playmaking genius.
Final take
Comparing these titans reveals a fascinating contrast: Bonmatí’s all-around mastery (19G/15A) edges Putellas’ creative resurgence (16G/18A) and Russo’s finishing finesse (27G/7A), but trophies tilt the scales. Bonmatí and Putellas’ shared la Liga successes can’t outshine Russo’s League Cup, champions league and the UEFA Nations League trophy with her individual goal tally as bigger than Barcelona’s dynamo.
The Ballon d’Or often rewards consistency and team success, while Bonmatí’s unbeaten Barca season and Putellas’ leadership in a domestic double give them an edge. Russo’s heroics, both for club and country could seal the deal. As the ceremony unfolds today at 7:00 PM WAT, with voting closed and pundits split, my prediction leans toward Alessia Russo to grab her first crown, her blend of stats, leadership, and legacy proving too potent to overlook. Yet, in a season this rich, Putellas and Bonmati ensure the women’s game shines brighter than ever.
