“Who will win the Ballon d’Or? Honestly, I hope it’s someone from my team. It’s between Caro [Graham Hansen] and Aitana [Bonmatí]. Both had an amazing year, and I hope the award stays in Barcelona,” Putellas told Cadena SER.

Putellas, the player with the most Women’s Ballon d’Or titles (2021 and 2022), has helped make Barcelona the club with the most winners of the coveted prize. After Bonmati’s triumph last year, the Catalan club could extend their dominance as both Bonmatí and Graham Hansen are among the top contenders once again.

Barcelona had an outstanding season, winning all four trophies available, including Liga F and the 2023-24 UEFA Women’s Champions League. In the latter, they defeated Lyon in the final with goals from Bonmati and Putellas. Bonmatí also scored in the semifinals and was named Champions League MVP.

Meanwhile, Graham Hansen was the top scorer in Liga F, notching 21 goals and 19 assists. Across all competitions, she amassed 32 goals and 29 assists in 40 matches, earning MVP honors in seven games, including the Supercup final.

Who else from Barcelona is in contention?

Patri Guijarro and Salma Paralluelo join Putellas, Bonmatí, and Graham Hansen as Barcelona’s other nominees for the Ballon d’Or. Additionally, new signing Ewa Pajor, who arrived from Wolfsburg this summer, is also in the race for the award.

Other top contenders for the award

While Barcelona has dominated in European club football, international performances will also factor into the decision. The Olympic Games could play a role, making players like Sophia Smith—crucial to the USWNT’s gold medal run—a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.

The Women’s Ballon d’Or, which was first awarded in 2018, is a relatively new trophy, but it has quickly become a coveted one as the women’s game reaches new heights. In this short time, Barcelona has also become the reigning club.

Bonmati’s win last year’s win, combined with Alexia Putellas’ previous two wins (2021 and 2022), make Barcelona the club with the most Women’s Ballon D’Or with three. This year, the Blaugranas have several candidates to lift the prize: Patri Guijarro, Caroline Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo, Putellas, and Bonmati. Meanwhile, Ewa Pajor, who joined the club from Wolfsburg this summer, is also nominated.

The Spanish club won all four trophies available to them, including Liga F and the 2023-24 UEFA Women’s Champions League. In the latter, they defeated Lyon in the final. However, as Spain didn’t win a medal at the Olympics, there are other players that could also win the Ballon d’Or.

One of them could be Sophia Smith, who played a key role in the USWNT’s Olympic triumph, as well as being also key for NWSL’s Portland Thorns. However, as the NWSL is in the middle of the season, this could be a handicap.

When is the Ballon D’or ceremony?

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday, October 28. For only the third time in the award’s history, it will be determined based on the results of the season rather than the calendar year. This period spans from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.

Complete list of nominees to the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or

Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
Tarciane (Houston Dash)
Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
Ada Hegerberg (Lyon)
Manuela Giugliano (Roma)
Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)
Glodis Viggosdottir (Bayern Munich)
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)
Lauren James (Chelsea)
Lea Schuller (Bayern Munich)
Patri Guijarro (Barcelona)
Gabi Portilho (Corinthians)
Tabitha Chawinga (Paris Saint-Germain)
Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)
Lindsey Horan (Lyon)
Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea)
Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich)
Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)
Grace Geyoro (Paris Saint-Germain)
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns)
Ewa Pajor (Barcelona)
Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Mayra Ramirez (Chelsea)
Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris Saint-Germain)

One of those was Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. However, in the last few weeks, Hermoso remained silent even as her name was all over social media as the scandal grew.

Now, during the induction ceremony at the World Soccer Hall of Fame in Mexico, Hermoso finally decided to talk about the situation. It was an extraordinary message.

Jenni Hermoso delivers emotional speech at World Soccer Hall of Fame

Jenni Hermoso received a special award at the induction ceremony of the World Soccer Hall of Fame at Pachuca. In her acceptance speech, she made her first live public statement regarding the big controversy with Luis Rubiales.

“I want to tell the world: it’s over. I’m Jenni Hermoso, soccer player and I’m that girl who became World Champion. We sacrificed joy and some celebrations and, without deserving it, we suffered too much in a historic moment for all of us. However, I’m convinced we have a big responsibility with the new generations.”

According to Hermoso, their triumph at the World Cup was the only way to show the terrible situation lived by female players of the national team. That’s why it will serve as an example.

“We weren’t champions just to lift a trophy. We were World Champions because that was the only way to be heard, respected and valued. I’m sure millions of girls around the world have identified themselves with us and feel protected thanks to this courageous group of players.”

Furthermore, Jenni Hermoso admitted there are a lot of challenges ahead. “To all those who haven’t been heard, I want to tell you that this is everyone’s fight. We win on and off the field to make sure we have an inclusive sport and society which protects all of us.”

Luis Rubiales who received worldwide disdain for force kissing Jenni Hermoso during the Spanish women’s national team’s FIFA World Cup celebrations. Not only that, a history of abusing his power, drinking, and inappropriate remarks began to come to light, painting Rubiales horribly.

When it was all set and done Rubiales was forced out of his position, and Spanish state prosecutors have accused him of sexual assault and coercion for kissing Hermoso.

If found guilty, what sentence would Luis Rubiales face?

If found guilty by the Spanish court, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years. More witnesses are set to testify during the week with Jenni Hermoso being called in to testify shortly.

The Spanish high court currently has a restraining order against Rubiales, as a measure to not contaminate the testimonies of all involved the Spanish high court ordered Rubiales to have no contact with Hermoso or come within 200 meters of her.

One of the most damning pretrial testimonies came from Rubiales’ own family, in speaking to El Confidencial Juan Rubiales, Luis´uncle, stated, “[Luis Rubiales] is a proud, arrogant person and his great enemy is himself. … He doesn’t have the slightest dignity to get out of this trance in an honorable way. And what he has done is to embarrass this situation more and more every day. He is a person with a tendency to cowardice. He is a cowardly man.”

FIFA had already suspended Rubiales for his behavior and Hermoso filed charges for the incident. Jorge Vilda was fired as coach and Montse Tome took over, but, the reigning champions aren’t happy.

Now, in a very controversial statement, Alexia Putellas spoke for the first time about some examples of the bad treatment they had to endure during the last years.

Alexia Putellas explodes against the Spanish Football Federation

Though many players didn’t want to be called to the Nations League by Montse Tome, they showed up and got a win on the road against Sweden. After that victory, and before the next matchup with Switzerland, Alexia Putellas had a strong message for all the critics.

“Zero tolerance for what the entire world saw. Zero tolerance for the things which haven’t been seen because they weren’t live and we cannot talk about them as there’s an ongoing legal procedure. The system failed. The Federation failed, The country failed.”

Furthermore, Putellas gave some examples about the terrible conditions they suffered under Luis Rubiales. She guaranteed this bad treatment isn’t new at all and just got exposed thanks to Jenni Hermoso’s controversy.

“They made us travel six or seven hours by bus while the rival comfortably flew. We had to wake up at three in the morning to catch a plane and those schedules are not suitable for elite athletes. You have just seen this, but we have been for years in this situation.”

Rubiales’ justification has sparked outrage in Spain to the extent that several female and male players are still considering to leave the national team as a demonstration of support for Hermoso. One of those is Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.

Now, amid the ongoing investigation, FIFA has delivered one of the strongest statements in recent history to condemn all that Luis Rubiales has produced with his actions.

What did FIFA say about Luis Rubiales?

Fatma Samoura, Secretary General of FIFA, has become one of the most important women in the sport. That’s why, as an authorized voice in the matter, she took a stance about Luis Rubiales and the controversial kiss he gave to Jenni Hermoso after winning the World Cup.

“To me, it was the biggest disgrace in the world of soccer. All we heard about for a month was a leadership behavior issue within the Spanish Federation. The country and the players were not allowed to savor that success, to enjoy it with their families, with the fans, with the soccer industry in general.”

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee already suspended Luis Rubiales for 90 days until the procedure and investigation are closed. Though there are no conclusions yet, Samoura believes there’s no way to justify Rubiales’ actions.

“This type of behavior cannot be accepted in soccer or in society. As soccer authorities, we have to show respect to all players and treat them as equals. As human beings deserving of our respect, even in private.”

Putellas and Paredes were among a group of players who signed a letter saying they wouldn’t return to the national team until they saw serious changes in the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Newly appointed manager Montse Tome called up both of them as well as other world champions, which created even more controversy around the national team. Putellas and Paredes spoke at a press conference, explaining they’re still expecting the Spanish FA to listen their request.

Putellas, Paredes set the record straight on Spanish FA controversy

“We’ve never asked for dismissals or the appointment or removal of a coach. All we’ve done is convey concerns or concepts where the locker room didn’t feel comfortable. We understand our role is not that,” Putellas said.

The Barcelona star said the meetings with the RFEF have been necessary but there’s still plenty of work to do by the authorities to contribute to a significant change.

“This issue goes beyond sports. What Jenni experienced cannot be tolerated. We asked that this type of behavior doesn’t happen in any part of the RFEF. Football reflects our society,” the two-time Ballon d’Or winner added.

Paredes, meanwhile, added that they were “forced” to report to the team, when they had already decided not to show up. Besides, they didn’t want to force the U-23s to deal with the pressure.

“We are tired,” Paredes said. “While we acknowledge some improvements, we still don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. This has been going on for too long.“

What’s the next game for the Spanish women’s national team?

Spain’s women’s national team returns to action on Friday, September 22, when it takes on Sweden in the first matchday of the UEFA Women’s Nations League.

As an authorized voice in Spanish soccer, Alonso couldn’t stay aside of the massive scandal between Jenni Hermoso and Luis Rubiales after he gave her a controversial kiss after the Women’s World Cup final.

As a consequence, Rubiales was suspended by FIFA facing legal charges and Jorge Vilda is was fired as coach. Montse Tome took over, but, many players like Alexia Putellas are not happy with her decision to leave out Hermoso of the Nations League in order to protect her. Xabi Alonso spoke about it too.

Xabi Alonso supports the Spanish women’s national team

Before the Europa League match between Bayer Leverkusen and BK Häcken, Xabi Alonso was asked about the controversy around the Spanish women’s national team with Jenni Hermoso and Luis Rubiales.

“Sometimes from the uncomfortable and unpleasant situations, good things come. I’m sorry for what they’ve had to experience. After being world champions, we have been talking more about other issues than about the big achievement they got.”

Alonso admitted that, though their performance at the World Cup seems to be forgotten amid all the scandal, the younger generations will definitely take notice of all their efforts.

“In the long term, they will be well remembered as they fought for a good cause. My daughters, they will remember them in the future because of what they fight for. These women that were champions. It’s an important topic and, when that happens, it becomes an international cause.”

As a consequence, Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA and faces legal charges in Spain. Furthermore, Jorge Vilda was fired as coach and Montse Tome took over.

Nevertheless, in a shocking turn of events, Tome left Hermoso out of the Nations League to ‘protect’ her and many players were not happy with that situation. Alexia Putellas has been one of them. Now, two big names have decided to leave the squad.

Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro leave the Spanish national team

Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro left the Spanish national team claiming that they were not in the best mental condition to face the next matches of the Nations League. Spain will play against Sweden this Friday and Switzerland on Tuesday.

Following a meeting that concluded early this morning, it was officially announced that 21 out of the 23 players remained in the national team’s squad with only two players leaving. However, at that moment, it was not disclosed which players were leaving. Now, Leon and Guijarro confirmed it.

These were the reasons which led to the decision explained by Mapi. “It is a reality that the situation for Patri and me is different from that of the rest of our colleagues. It hasn’t been the way or the timing to return.”

It’s important to remember that Mapi Leon was one of the few players who didn’t play at the 2023 Women’s World Cup as she was clearly against bad treatment and old training methods by former coach, Jorge Vilda. That complicated the current situation.

“We’re not in a position to say, ‘No, you come back now.’ This is a process. We are pleased because changes are taking place; changes are happening gradually, and we are fully supporting our colleagues in this, as we have been doing from the outside all this time.”

Barcelona star Alexia Putellas is among a group of 30 players who released a statement last week saying they would not return to the national team until they see serious changes in the Spanish FA’s structure.

Newly appointed manager Montse Tome decided to call up many of the players who signed the letter anyway, but they insist that their stance hasn’t changed. In their latest statement, Putellas and company made it abundantly clear they’re still not coming back to the national team.

Alexia Putellas among Spanish players who stand firm against Spanish FA

“What was expressed on September 15 makes clear and without any option to another interpretation, our firm will not to be called up for justified reasons. These statements remain in full force and effect“, the players’ statement reads.

Putellas and company also said this has always been their stance and never told anyone in the Spanish FA the contrary. Therefore, it contradicts Tome’s version that she had spoken to the players.

Which players requested not to be called up?

The Spanish players who signed a letter declaring themselves uneligible for the national team were Misa Rodríguez, Cata Coll, Enith Salón, Irene Paredes, Oihane Hernández, Olga Carmona, Ona Batlle, Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, María Pérez, Tere Abelleira, Athenea del Castillo, Esther González, Eva Navarro, and Mariona Caldentey.

Jenni Hermoso, Rocío Gálvez, Salma Paralluelo, Laia Codina, Ivana Andrés, Irene Guerrero, Claudia Zornoza, and Alba Redondo, on the other hand, were the only world champions to be snubbed by Montse Tome.

However, Luis Rubiales shocked everyone with a defiant press conference in which he justified his actions and delivered the phrase that made headlines: “I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign.” He repeated it three times, and somewhat shockingly, some people applauded him at the event.

Luis Rubiales’ words sparked outrage in Spain to the extent that several female and male players are considering leaving the national team as a demonstration of support for Jenni Hermoso. Today, during the 2022-2023 UEFA awards ceremony in Monaco, Aitana Bonmati had enough of the situation.

Aitana Bonmati fed up with Luis Rubiales after Jenni Hermoso’s kiss

Aitana Bonmati, one of the best players of Spain’s national team at the 2023 World Cup, exploded against Luis Rubiales when she received the Women’s Player of the Year award from UEFA. The shocking episode was seen worldwide during the ceremony.

“We have just won the World Cup, but not much is said about it because of things that shouldn’t have happened. As a society, we should not allow abuse of power and disrespect in a working relationship. I support Jenni and as women we will fight our best to prevent this from happening again.”

As a consequence of Luis Rubiales’ controversial statement, the government in Spain has already initiated a legal process and FIFA suspended him three months launching an investigation. Despite this, the executive showed a challenging attitude in front of the media.

“Is it so serious that I should leave, having overseen the best management in the history of Spanish football? Do you all think I should resign? Well, I’ll tell you something. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign. And let me tell you more, I have faced a lot of pressure.”

Furthermore, in the moment which outraged the world, Luis Rubiales explained what happened with the controversial kiss to Jenni Hermoso. “I want to apologize unreservedly. She was the one who lifted me up and brought me close to her body. And I said to her, ‘a little peck?’ and she said to me, ‘okay’.”