Will October reignite fans’ buzz as the Ballon d’Or returns to crown the season’s top talent?
Meanwhile, the men’s race featuring Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi dominates headlines, but the women’s Ballon d’Or is stirring its own controversy.
On the podcast Style of Play, former internationals Julie Ertz and Kealia Watt broke down this year’s nominee list.
Trinity Rodman left off this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist.
Eight Barcelona stars landed on the 30‑player shortlist for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, prompting Ertz to commend the club’s sway and its push for the sport’s progress.
“They’ve got a staggering eight players on the women’s Ballon d’Or shortlist,” Ertz noted.
“It’s one of my favorite squads; they’ve truly shifted the needle in women’s soccer,” she added.
Trinity Rodman of Washington Spirit reacts in the first half versus Orlando Pride.
Ertz praised Barcelona’s surge but lamented the scarcity of American names—an oversight that, in my view, undermines the league’s growing credibility.
Rose Lavelle stands as the sole U.S. nominee, a fact Ertz admitted caught her off guard.
Watt concurred, insisting Trinity Rodman merits a spot on the list.
“I was genuinely surprised only Rose Lavelle made it. NWSL performances often get overlooked,” she said.
Watt highlighted Rodman’s impact for the Spirit as proof of her worth.
“Trinity deserves a nomination beyond her fame; her club contributions speak volumes,” Watt asserted.
The Spirit winger now ranks among the NWSL’s elite, tallying 11 goals in 25 outings.
Her omission also stems from a four‑month injury layoff that sidelined the 24‑year‑old.