Finally, we know the players in contention for this year's Ballon d'Or. The women's football tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games was the final chance for stars to throw their hats in the ring and several did, while others strengthened their already strong cases. Now, all there is left to do is wait for the final ranking of this year's contenders, after France Football and new co-organisers, UEFA, announced the nominees on Wednesday, September 4.

Historically, players from the United States have struggled to really make their mark in the race for the Ballon d'Or, with the NWSL season always midway through when the window being judged closes. That was different in 2019, when the U.S. won the World Cup and Megan Rapinoe claimed the Golden Ball as a result, and it is again this year, after Emma Hayes' side triumphed at Paris 2024.

But there is also a whole European season that will be factored in as well, in which players from Barcelona in particular shone as the Catalans won another Champions League title. The last three winners of the Golden Ball have come from Barca - and the names of Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas are on the shortlist again this time around.

So, who are the contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Feminin ahead of the ceremony on Monday, October 28?

1.Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)

In 2023-24: 26 goals, 18 assists. Won Champions League, Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana & Nations League.

When Barcelona needed someone to step up in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Chelsea, to overturn a 1-0 deficit at Stamford Bridge, Bonmati obliged. When they needed someone to break the deadlock in the Champions League final, who came through? That woman again.

Those two performances were among the highlights in what was another superb season for last year's Ballon d'Or winner. She may well be the most influential player in this Barca team, which is a huge compliment given how good they are.

Bonmati’s contributions for Spain might not have strengthened her case to retain this award as much as one expected, as La Roja failed to medal at the Olympics despite being the favourite for gold, but it would still be a shock if the midfielder was not, once again, named the best player of the season.

2.Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)

In 2023-24: 33 goals, 26 assists. Won Champions League, Liga F, Copa de la Reina & Supercopa de Espana.

Why Graham Hansen wasn't nominated for any previous Ballons d’Or remains one of women’s football's biggest mysteries, but there was no way that she was going to be ignored this year.

The Norwegian was one of the best players in Europe throughout the 2023-24 season, with her numbers other-worldly. As such, her influence was huge as Barca claimed the quadruple, with Graham Hansen putting in an electric display in the Champions League final as she once again showed she is no stranger to performances on the very biggest stage.

3.Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)

In 2023-24: 38 goals, 13 assists. Won Champions League, Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana & Nations League.

Last summer’s World Cup catapulted Paralluelo into the limelight, securing her a third-placed finish in the running for the Ballon d’Or, and she had an even better season with Barca this time around, finishing second in the Liga F Golden Boot race.

What could prevent the 20-year-old from getting onto the podium when it comes to this accolade, though, is that she has struggled to get involved in some of the most high-profile matches. That was the case in the Champions League final and was at times at the Olympics, too.

4.Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)

In 2023-24: 27 goals, 23 assists. Won Champions League, Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana & Nations League.

Mariona Caldentey bid farewell to Barcelona in style this summer, starring in the Champions League final as the Catalans sealed a first-ever quadruple before signing for Arsenal.

She has kept up that form since returning to the fold with Spain, too. There was arguably no better performer in the Nations League final that La Roja triumphed in back in February and she had her moments at the Olympics, scoring a sublime winner against Japan. Could this be the year that one of the most underrated players in the game finally gets her flowers?