Global Public Vote Opens for BBC Women’s Footballer
Public voting opened globally for the BBC World Service Women’s Footballer of the Year 2026 award, bbc.com reported. Five players appear on the shortlist for the twelfth edition of the prize.
The nominees span international and club competitions for performances between September 2025 and August 2026, according to bbc.com. An expert panel of current and former players, coaches, and journalists selected the contenders.
“Women's football continues to reach new audiences and break new ground around the world” said Jon Zilkha, Controller of BBC World Service English.
Five Stars Compete for Global Prize
Temwa Chawinga of Malawi and Kansas City leads the shortlist alongside Poland and Barcelona forward Ewa Pajor, aol.co.uk reported. Alexia Putellas, Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, and Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw complete the five nominees.
Chawinga secured a contract extension through 2029 after winning the Golden Boot for the second year in a row and claiming the tournament’s Golden Boot with five goals at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, aol.co.uk reported. Pajor scored 16 league goals in her 23 appearances and finished as the competition’s top scorer after winning four trophies with Barcelona, according to aol.co.uk.
Historic Spoty Broadcast Integration Plans
The winner will be announced live on Sunday, December 13, at 5:45 pm on BBC One and iPlayer during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in Salford, bbc.com and The Independent reported. The global trophy will be revealed during the main SPOTY broadcast for the first time.
Simultaneous coverage will air on BBC World Service’s Sportsworld programme, with additional radio broadcasts scheduled for Newsday on Monday, December 14, bbc.com reported. The Independent noted that the BBC is also introducing a separate Men’s Footballer of the Year award decided by a UK-only public vote.
BBC Website Closes Voting Polls
Voting remains free and open on the BBC Women’s football website until the poll closes at 9:00 am GMT on Wednesday, November 18, bbc.com reported.
Common Questions About the Award
When does the voting window close?
The public vote closes at 9:00 am GMT on Wednesday, November 18, on the official BBC Women’s football website.
Where can international audiences watch the winner announcement?
The winner will be announced live on December 13 via the BBC World Service Sportsworld programme, BBC One, and BBC iPlayer.