Will Barcelona's dominance continue or will a new star take the 2024 Ballon d'Or crown?

Undeniably talented, the powerhouse teams highlight the 2024 Ballon d'Or Féminin shortlist. Among lists of names one would have expected to feature in the shortlist, Barcelona boasts eight players nominated, further cementing their dominance in women's soccer. However, this year's edition also throws some surprises, with notable players of the NWSL and top European Leagues like the Frauen Bundesliga and the English Women's Super League marking their presence.

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Now, let's dissect the key contenders, their impacts on their teams, and how this global stage is setting up for one of the most prestigious awards in women's soccer.

Barcelona: The Giant of the Season

Not many teams dictate the pace of the game quite like Barcelona does these days in women's soccer. The Catalan side - fresh from sweeping nearly every competition they entered this season - boast eight players on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, with the outstanding favorite being their midfielder Aitana Bonmatí. The winner of the award last season, Bonmatí remains the one to beat after another successful campaign.

Then, there is the mythical Alexia Putellas, two-time Ballon d'Or winner in 2021 and 2022: after a serious injury that kept her off the field for part of last season, Putellas returned stronger, a constant technical and leadership presence on the pitch. Her nomination isn't news, but the big question would be if she will take back the throne or if Bonmatí has now consolidated her position as the new queen of women's soccer.

Others featuring prominently on that list of stellar Barça players include Salma Paralluelo, a dynamite breakout player this season, and Patri Guijarro, the linchpin midfielder orchestrating much of the side's success. Together, they comprise the core of an unstoppable-looking squad, and the reason for that is clear by their many features on the shortlist.

The NWSL Rising Stars and U.S. Powerhouses

The NWSL also defends its own turf against the best of the best in women's soccer. Some of the names that come to mind while considering the league's most regular honorees include Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit, Mallory Swanson of the Chicago Red Stars, and Alyssa Naeher of the Chicago Red Stars. These players have shined both for their clubs and the U.S. Women's National Team, and their nominations tend to throw into view the NWSL's growing global influence.

Trinity Rodman has been an absolute sensation in world soccer, shifting games either with her silky smooth dribbling skills or pin-point finishing. Her presence on this list brings into view a whole new generation of talent ready to assume responsibility in women's soccer.

With her burning speeds and instinctive finishes, Mallory Swanson has indeed been a nightmare in front of defenses. Stronger after her return from a serious injury, her performance makes her a serious contender for the prize.

Surprises and Standouts from Other Leagues

Besides Barcelona and the NWSL, others like Bundesliga and the Premier League make for some surprises on the 2024 Ballon d'Or list. The likes of Giulia Gwinn from Bayern Munich and Chelsea's Lauren James point to the international nature of the award.

Giulia Gwinn is one of the finest full-backs in the game today; she has given immense consistency to Bayern Munich and also to the German national team. A player who can dominate both on the defensive and offensive side is really complete, and that should mean everything by her making this shortlist after such an impactful season.

Another great performance comes from Lauren James of Chelsea: the young star of England has grown fantastically, but next to the very top favorites, she remains an outsider for the prize.

Coaches and Clubs of the Year: A Tight Race

Competing in another star-studded category is Coach of the Year: Jonatan Giráldez, former coach of Barcelona and currently at Washington Spirit, goes head to head with heavyweight opponents such as Sarina Wiegman from England and Arthur Elias from Brazil. While Giráldez is the favorite, after he led Barcelona through a perfect season, Wiegman's impeccable work at the helm of the English national team sets her as a strong challenger.

Arthur Elias is some sort of paradigm shift for Brazilian women's soccer. At the helm of the national team in times of transition, he puts Brazilian soccer back amongst the favorites for international titles with his innovating style and efficiency.

The competition for Club of the Year will be at a fever pitch between Barcelona, Chelsea, PSG, Lyon, and Gotham FC. Clearly the favorite is Barcelona after their Champions League and domestic dominance, though traditionally established powerhouses like Chelsea now under Sonia Bompastor and Lyon are not to be looked past. Meanwhile, Gotham FC has been stirring things up in the NWSL with a well-rounded team ready to fight for the title.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or Féminin is in good hands

The competition for the 2024 Ballon d'Or Féminin will no doubt be one of the most contested in recent times, with so many world-class players vying for the award and teams from different leagues flexing their muscles. Such is a positive indication that women's soccer is well and truly finding its place on the world stage.

Barcelona might dominate, but the mere fact that players came from such strong contingencies like the U.S., Germany, Brazil, and England just goes to prove the fact that the women's game is finally garnering visibility across the world, for which we are thankful.

Now, all that remains is to wait for the soiree night in Paris, as we will see who will take home the crown. Will Aitana Bonmatí win her second Ballon d'Or, or are we about to witness the birth of a new queen in women's soccer?