After Manuela Giugliano last year, Cristiana Girelli and Sofia Cantore have been nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or. The Juventus striker, who was the league’s leading goalscorer and player of the season last year, and the new Washington Spirit signing are among the 30 nominees.

Girelli and Catore, both of whom were extraordinary in the Euros in Switzerland and a double-winning season for the Bianconere, are up for the prizes, the winner of which will be announced on Monday, 22 September at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

 “Cristiana Girelli and Sofia Cantore have deservedly picked up a nomination,” said Serie A Women’s president, Federica Cappelletti. “Cristiana has been a top player for years and is an example to the future generations. Sofia’s move to the USA is proof of our league’s increasing attractiveness abroad, which has grown thanks to the efforts of the FIGC and Serie A Women, as well as the clubs and players themselves. After a brilliant season with Juventus, Girelli and Cantore starred for Italy, spurring the team to the semi-finals. This recognition is an honour for two extraordinary women and Italian football as a whole.”

BALLON D’OR 2025 – NOMINEES

Sandy Baltimore (France, Chelsea)
Barbra Banda (Zambia, Orlando Pride)
Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)
Lucy Bronze (England, Chelsea)
Klara Bühl (Germany, Bayern)
Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Arsenal)
SOFIA CANTORE (Italy, Juventus/Washington Spirit)
Steph Catley (Australia, Arsenal)
Temwa Chawinga (Malawi, Kansas City)
Melchie Dumornay (Haiti, OL Lyonnes)
Emily Fox (United States, Arsenal)
CRISTIANA GIRELLI (Italy, Juventus)
Esther González (Spain, Gotham FC)
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)
Patri Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)
Amanda Gutierres (Brazil, Palmeiras)
Hannah Hampton (England, Chelsea)
Pernille Harder (Denmark, Bayern)
Lindsey Heaps (United States, OL Lyonnes)
Chloe Kelly (England, Manchester City/Arsenal)
Frida Maanum (Norway, Arsenal)
Marta (Brazil, Orlando Pride)
Clara Mateo (France, Paris FC)
Ewa Pajor (Poland, Barcelona)
Clàudia Pina (Spain, Barcelona)
Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)
Alessia Russo (England, Arsenal)
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd  (Sweden, Chelsea)
Caroline Weir (Scotland, Real Madrid)
Leah Williamson (England, Arsenal)