**Alexia Putellas stands as the clear frontrunner for a top-10 finish—and likely the win—in the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, driven by Barcelona’s quadruple-winning campaign and her Champions League Player of the Season recognition.** The three-time defending champion Aitana Bonmatí’s prolonged absence after a fibula fracture removed her from the 30-player shortlist announced in September, shifting momentum toward established names and new standouts. Ewa Pajor’s 11 Champions League goals, including two in the final, and Khadija Shaw’s dominant WSL golden-boot season with Manchester City position them as strong contenders for high placements, while Melchie Dumornay’s domestic treble and European impact at Lyon bolster her case. The October 26 ceremony at the London Palladium will finalize rankings based on journalist votes emphasizing team success, individual stats, and historical voting patterns favoring Spanish and Barcelona players.