Rose Lavelle to Compete for 2026 Ballon d'Or

The Gotham FC midfielder joins two other NWSL stars on the final shortlist for the October 26 award gala.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Soccer

Rose Lavelle to Compete for 2026 Ballon d'Or

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Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle is the only North American player named to the 30-player 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist. She will be joined by fellow NWSL stars at the award gala held on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Why it matters

The inclusion of NWSL talent underscores the rising competitive profile of American club soccer on the global stage. Lavelle represents a historic opportunity for the domestic league as she seeks to match previous American honors in the prestigious international award.

The 2026 shortlist features 30 athletes, with three players representing NWSL clubs. Rose Lavelle enters the recognition with a career total of 124 senior caps for the United States national team.

The players

Rose Lavelle

She is a professional soccer midfielder who currently plays for Gotham FC and has earned 124 senior caps for the United States.

Barbra Banda

She is a professional forward currently competing for the Orlando Pride in the NWSL.

Temwa Chawinga

She is a professional soccer player who plays as a forward for the Kansas City Current.

Megan Rapinoe

She is a retired professional soccer player who previously won the 2019 Ballon d'Or Féminin.

Lionel Messi

He is a professional soccer player who won his eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023 while playing for Inter Miami.

The details

Lavelle is joined on the shortlist by Orlando Pride player Barbra Banda and Kansas City Current player Temwa Chawinga. This recognition highlights the ongoing influence of the NWSL in shaping the world's most elite soccer talent.

The Women's Ballon d'Or award was created in 2018.
Megan Rapinoe secured the Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2019.
Lionel Messi collected his eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or gala takes place on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The presence of three NWSL stars on the global shortlist signals a shift in the league's standing compared to European-dominated award cycles. This development bolsters the NWSL's reputation as a premier destination for world-class international talent.

Lavelle's nomination highlights the elite caliber of play current fans can witness weekly within the NWSL. Her international recognition serves as a key performance indicator for the league's rising technical standard.

The takeaway

The recognition of three NWSL players on a global shortlist reflects the league's evolution into a top-tier global soccer destination. American fans can follow the upcoming gala to see how the NWSL's presence on the international stage translates to individual accolades.