{"id":36439,"date":"2026-01-02T00:52:53","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T05:52:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/"},"modified":"2026-01-02T00:52:53","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T05:52:53","slug":"womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/","title":{"rendered":"Women&#8217;s Ballon d&#8217;Or Power Rankings: Melky Dumornay Shines Brightest as Bar\u00e7a and Chelsea Battle for Glory"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/#10_Khadija_Shaw_Man_City\" >10. Khadija Shaw (Man City)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/#9_Hannah_Hampton_Chelsea\" >9. Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/#8_Linda_Caicedo_Real_Madrid\" >8. Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/#7_Sandy_Baltimore_Chelsea_FC\" >7. Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea FC)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/#6_Temwa_Chawinga_Kansas_City_Current\" >6. Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/#5_Caroline_Graham_Hansen_FC_Barcelona\" >5. Caroline Graham Hansen (FC Barcelona)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/#4_Mariona_Caldenti_Arsenal\" >4. Mariona Caldenti (Arsenal)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/#3_Clara_Buhl_Bayern_Munich\" >3. Clara Buhl (Bayern Munich)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/#2_Alexia_Putellas_FC_Barcelona\" >2. Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/02\/womens-ballon-dor-power-rankings-melky-dumornay-shines-brightest-as-barca-and-chelsea-battle-for-glory\/#1_Melky_Dumornay_OL_Lyon\" >1. Melky Dumornay (OL Lyon)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>As the new year draws near, it\u2019s time to reflect on your soccer journey while welcoming a fresh chapter. With professional leagues and global tournaments taking a winter break, it\u2019s the ideal moment for some self-reflection and the unveiling of the Ballon d&#8217;Or power rankings.<\/p>\n<p>The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League is ushering in a new era of competition, preparing for the final tournament in February. This season has witnessed the emergence of a new generation of stars alongside seasoned icons, showcasing a blend of fresh talent and established prowess in an 18-team, six-round challenge. The Champions League remains a battleground where personal honors are fiercely contested.<\/p>\n<p>To clarify, Aitana Bommati doesn\u2019t appear on this list due to a minor shoulder injury at the season&#8217;s start\u2014she\u2019s shown skill despite this setback. Unfortunately, her fractured left fibula is expected to sideline her until April, which complicates her eligibility for rankings and awards this year.<\/p>\n<p>Patry Guijarro, another Barcelona midfielder often in Bommati&#8217;s shadow, is also missing due to a foot injury that has kept her from participating in the UWCL. However, she could make a return in January, giving her time to regain her form and compete for individual accolades.<\/p>\n<p>The question remains: who has emerged as the standout performer? The selection of candidates is so broad that even the Champions League can\u2019t spotlight them all. With next season&#8217;s Ballon d&#8217;Or contention underway (spanning August to July), this serves more as a mid-season overview rather than a year-end summary.<\/p>\n<p>Based on performances in domestic leagues and notable tournaments, here\u2019s a power ranking of the top 10 players currently vying for the Ballon d&#8217;Or.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Khadija_Shaw_Man_City\"><\/span>10. Khadija Shaw (Man City)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Khadijah \u201cBunny\u201d Shaw, a formidable striker, continues to shine as one of the game&#8217;s most reliable forwards. Even without Champions League play, her impressive tally of 12 goals in 11 WSL games keeps her in contention for the Golden Boot.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Hannah_Hampton_Chelsea\"><\/span>9. Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Despite being sidelined with an injury, Chelsea FC&#8217;s goalkeeper Hannah Hampton remains a trusted figure. Expected to return in January after a quadriceps issue, her presence has been vital in both the WSL and Champions League, boasting an impressive 85.2% save percentage.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Linda_Caicedo_Real_Madrid\"><\/span>8. Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At just 19, Linda Caicedo is beginning to show her incredible potential. She has made a name for herself as one of Colombia&#8217;s top talents through her impactful performances for Real Madrid in domestic and Champions League matches.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Sandy_Baltimore_Chelsea_FC\"><\/span>7. Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea FC)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Sandy Baltimore, a French international, serves as Chelsea\u2019s secret asset. With her ability to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities while seamlessly moving between defense and attack, she adds significant value, evidenced by her two goals in six Champions League matches this season.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Temwa_Chawinga_Kansas_City_Current\"><\/span>6. Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The NWSL\u2019s MVP and Golden Boot winner, Temwa Chawinga, has made a lasting impression. Earning these accolades for two consecutive seasons, she was the most dangerous forward before an adductor injury prematurely ended her season; her potential return in spring 2026 could see her rise in rankings.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Caroline_Graham_Hansen_FC_Barcelona\"><\/span>5. Caroline Graham Hansen (FC Barcelona)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Caroline Graham Hansen has consistently been a vital member of Barcelona&#8217;s squad. Leading the team in shots taken (19), her relentless activity on the right wing has kept opponents on their toes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Mariona_Caldenti_Arsenal\"><\/span>4. Mariona Caldenti (Arsenal)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Mariona Caldenti has played a crucial role in dictating the pace for Arsenal since her move to England. While her goal contributions haven&#8217;t fully matched her previous Champions League-winning season, her strategic positioning remains essential for the team&#8217;s dynamics.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Clara_Buhl_Bayern_Munich\"><\/span>3. Clara Buhl (Bayern Munich)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Clara Buhl stands unparalleled in assists for this season&#8217;s Champions League. After helping Bayern bounce back from an early struggle against Barcelona, her eight assists highlight her creative prowess.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Alexia_Putellas_FC_Barcelona\"><\/span>2. Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As a two-time Ballon d&#8217;Or winner, Alexia Putellas demonstrates her elite skill level continually. She has excelled in league games and Champions League matches, despite missing two penalties, scoring three goals and providing four assists in her opening appearances.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Melky_Dumornay_OL_Lyon\"><\/span>1. Melky Dumornay (OL Lyon)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Few players match the dynamic presence of Melky Dumornay in Europe. The Haitian international\u2019s versatility and remarkable talent have made her central to OL Lyon\u2019s Champions League success, with four goals and significant offensive contributions bolstering her status as a top player.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> This news serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving talent in women\u2019s soccer, making it exciting for fans to watch new stars emerge. As these rankings signify ongoing excellence, they highlight how competitive the sport has become, promising thrilling seasons ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the new year draws near, it\u2019s time to reflect on your soccer journey while welcoming a fresh chapter. With professional leagues and global tournaments taking a winter break, it\u2019s the ideal moment for some self-reflection and the unveiling of the Ballon d&#8217;Or power rankings. The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League is ushering in a new [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36440,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[1715,1579,280,1464,200,1716,8128,40,1573,8127,46,1717,1704,1157,45,1217],"class_list":{"0":"post-36439","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-ballon","9":"tag-barca","10":"tag-battle","11":"tag-brightest","12":"tag-chelsea","13":"tag-dor","14":"tag-dumornay","15":"tag-football","16":"tag-glory","17":"tag-melky","18":"tag-news","19":"tag-power","20":"tag-rankings","21":"tag-shines","22":"tag-soccer","23":"tag-womens"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36439"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36439\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36440"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}