Voting is officially open for the 12th edition of the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award, presenting fans with a historic opportunity to influence one of the sport’s most prestigious accolades. The five-player shortlist features a powerhouse lineup including Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, and Manchester United’s Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw. Joining them are AS Roma’s Ewa Pajor and AS Roma’s Temwa Chawinga, creating a fiercely competitive field where every goal and assist from the past year has been meticulously scrutinized by the nomination panel.
Five elite stars battle for historic honor as voting opens ahead of SPOTY ceremony
This year marks a significant milestone for the award, as the winner will be announced for the first time during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, alongside broadcasts on the BBC World Service and digital platforms. The selection process, which covers the period from September 2025 to September 2026, relies on nominations from a diverse panel of coaches, journalists, and former professionals, ensuring the shortlist reflects genuine on-pitch impact rather than mere popularity. With the vote closing on Wednesday, 18 November at 09:00 GMT, the pressure is on fans worldwide to cast their ballots before the deadline.
The inclusion of Putellas and Russo highlights the current dominance of European club football, while Shaw’s presence underscores the critical importance of defensive excellence in modern women’s soccer. As the award enters its 12th year, the expanded visibility through the SPOTY broadcast signals a broader institutional commitment to elevating the profile of women’s football in the UK and globally. Fans must act quickly, as the final decision will hinge on a combination of public vote and expert judgment, making this the most consequential voting period in the award’s history.
Source: BBC Sport
