SportsDonna

The 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin shortlist has sparked celebration and controversy in equal measure. Both excitement and controversy have been generated by the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin shortlist. Many fans and commentators are wondering how some National Women’s Soccer League icons could have been left off the list, even though the NWSL made history with five nominees, including breakout stars like Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga and legends like Marta Vieira da Silva. Although the acknowledgement is long overdue, the exclusions serve as a reminder that the award’s selection process still feels European-centered, excluding outstanding athletes like Crystal Dunn and Débora Cristiane de Oliveira spite of their contributions.

The shortlist is a historic accomplishment for the NWSL. An unprecedented five league players were named, with three coming from Orlando Pride alone. American club soccer is now showcasing the best, not just developing talent, as demonstrated by Temwa Chawinga’s 20-goal Golden Boot campaign and MVP award, Barbra Banda’s stellar season, and Marta’s historic third nomination.

However, the celebration is overshadowed by the noticeable absences. How does a World Cup champion, US Women’s National Team captain, and reliable force in the NWSL like Crystal Dunn not get selected? What about Debinha, who continues to be a key component of Kansas City Current’s success and scored her 50th league goal this season? Beyond a few well-known names, these omissions raise significant concerns about whether the voting panel actually values the NWSL.

Critics argue that the issue goes beyond isolated snubs. The NWSL is frequently viewed as an afterthought, and the Ballon d’Or has long been accused of favoring Europe’s top leagues. The American league continues to struggle for respect on the global scene in spite of record attendance, international celebrities, and growing TV deals. The message appears to be clear: your achievements are marked with an asterisk unless you play in Europe.

Instead of being a game-changer, the five NWSL nominations have highlighted the league’s continued struggles for equal recognition. The Ballon d’Or runs the risk of harming its own reputation by passing up top performers. The award must look beyond Europe’s boundaries and give the NWSL the respect it merits if it is to genuinely honor the best in the world.