The anticipation and excitement in the world of women's football are reaching fever pitch as the prestigious Women's Ballon D'Or 2023 award looms on the horizon. With each passing year, this coveted accolade recognizes the unparalleled prowess and outstanding contributions of a single player throughout the course of a domestic season. The upcoming 2023 edition of the Women's Ballon D'Or promises to be as fiercely contested as ever, with a pool of exceptional talent vying for the ultimate honor.
Anticipation Builds for the Spectacular 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or Ceremony
Scheduled to be unveiled amidst glamour and splendor on October 30, during a grand gala in the captivating city of Paris, the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony has already captured the imagination of fans and players alike. While the shortlist of nominees for this prestigious accolade, along with other accompanying awards, is still under wraps, the recent rule changes that tie the award to a player's domestic season have added an intriguing dimension to the speculation surrounding potential winners.
Unlike previous iterations that followed the calendar year, the adjusted criterion for the 2023 Women's Ballon D'Or allows for a more informed speculation on the likely victor. The ongoing 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, currently being hosted in Australia, is poised to cast its influential shadow on the impending award. As the European football season concludes and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States takes a pause, players are seizing the opportunity to stake their final claims for this illustrious individual accolade on the global stage of the Women's World Cup.
The ongoing tournament has already showcased its fair share of astonishing upsets, further intensifying the intrigue surrounding the potential recipient of the 2023 Women Ballon d'Or. As the battles on the field unfold and the stakes continue to rise, the question on everyone's lips resonates with anticipation: Who is emerging as the frontrunner in the riveting race for the 2023 Women's Ballon D'Or? Can Asisat Oshoala emerge as the ultimate winner among the contenders? Let's delve into the unfolding drama and closely examine the remarkable contenders who are capturing the world's attention with their extraordinary talents and indomitable spirit.
List of Top 5 Women's Ballon D'or contenders
Asisat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala is a strong contender for the 2023 Women's Ballon D'or due to her impressive accolades and achievements. With five African Women's Footballer of the Year awards and historic performances in consecutive FIFA Women's World Cups, Oshoala's legacy is already noteworthy.
Her recent feat in the FIFA Women's World Cup showcased her tenacity and historic prowess, as she became the first Super Falcons and African player to score in three consecutive World Cups. Oshoala's prowess extends beyond the international stage to the club level, as she secured three trophies with Barcelona in the 2022-2023 season, triumphing in the Primera División, UEFA Women's Champions League, and Supercopa de España Femenina.
Aitana Bonmati
Aitana Bonmati is a strong contender to win the 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or once again. Her remarkable 2022-23 season included 17 goals and 19 assists, contributing to Barcelona's victories in Liga F, the Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Women's Champions League. Bonmati's exceptional performances have solidified her position as the top player in Europe for the season.
Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr, a dynamic force on the football pitch and a pivotal figure for Chelsea and Australia, has had an impressive 2022-23 season with 33 goals and 10 assists, helping secure Women's FA Cup and Women's Super League victories. Notably, she scored the winning goal in the Women's FA Cup final and contributed crucial goals on the final league day. Despite her remarkable performance, a calf injury prevented her from participating in Australia's World Cup group matches, potentially affecting her Women's Ballon d'Or prospects. However, her impact and achievements with Chelsea could still influence her chances of winning the award.
Alex Popp
Alex Popp has a strong chance of winning the 2023 Women's Ballon D'or. In the 2022-23 season, she recorded an impressive 31 goals and seven assists, contributing to Wolfsburg's DFB-Pokal victory. Her notable achievements include winning the Frauen Bundesliga's Golden Boot and scoring in the DFB-Pokal and Champions League finals. Despite Germany's early exit in the Women's World Cup, Popp's exceptional performance was evident, with four goals in three games.
Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith is a strong contender for the women's Ballon d'Or. With 27 goals and 10 assists in the 2022-23 season for Portland Thorns, she secured the NWSL Championship and was named Most Valuable Player, making her the youngest ever recipient. Her impactful performances continued into the Women's World Cup, contributing significantly to the USWNT's goals.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago
