Putellas may now be troubling Women’s Super League back lines in London City blue, but another attacker playing in England arguably has an even stronger claim to recognition.
Khadija Shaw struck 21 league goals last season, helping Manchester City secure their first championship in 10 years. She also netted five times in the FA Cup as the club completed a domestic double.
The Jamaican forward has led the WSL scoring charts in each of the past three campaigns and has registered 90 goals since joining in the summer of 2021. Her performances earned her a valuable new four-year contract in June.
Former England striker Ellen White noted that, despite the absence of a major international tournament, the shortlist still contains outstanding talent. She backed Shaw as a worthy contender because of her exceptional finishing record.
Shaw is one of five Manchester City nominees, a significant change after the club had no representatives last season. However, their lack of Champions League football during the previous campaign could weaken their chances.
Arsenal forward Alessia Russo finished behind Shaw in the domestic scoring standings and also delivered an impressive Champions League campaign, scoring nine times.
She placed third in last year’s Ballon d’Or vote, trailing Bonmati and her Arsenal colleague Mariona Caldentey.
That result followed Arsenal’s Champions League triumph in May 2025. Their semi-final elimination by Lyon this year, however, could reduce Russo’s prospects of claiming the award.
Another player capable of ending Spain’s dominance is Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor. The Polish international scored 11 times in only 10 Champions League appearances last season, including three goals in the final against Lyon.
The 29-year-old received the Women’s Gerd Muller Trophy as the season’s leading scorer and placed eighth in the overall standings.
This could be the year in which she claims the main honour.
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