Can Anyone Break Spain's Grip on the Women's Ballon d'Or?

The Women's Ballon d'Or has become something close to a Spanish fixture. Over the last five editions the award has gone to a player from Spain every time, a run that has made the trophy feel less like an open contest and more like a settled outcome. Heading into Monday's ceremony, the obvious question is whether the streak continues or a challenger finally breaks it.

Much of Spain's success rests on a system rather than a single star. The national side and leading clubs have spent years controlling possession and setting the tempo of games, and that style has produced players who collect individual honours consistently. Alexia Putellas won the prize in 2021 and 2022, and Aitana Bonmatí has taken it in the years since, giving Spain a hold on the award that few expected to last this long. When one country dominates like this, rival nominees usually need more than a strong season. They need a campaign that voters can clearly place ahead of the Spanish contenders.

For anyone outside Spain, the route is narrow. The voting weighs domestic league form, performances in the Champions League, and results at international tournaments, and a non-Spanish player generally needs a moment on the biggest stages to shift the conversation. Whether anyone manages that in the final tally will only be settled once the winner's name is read out on Monday.