The Women's Ballon d'Or remains a relatively new trophy on the world football scene, but lifting the Golden Ball is quickly becoming a dream for many of the world's best players. And after a memorable 12 months for the women's game, the shortlist of nominees for the 2023 award has been revealed.
The 2022-23 season was one dominated by Spanish football, as Barcelona won both their domestic title and the Champions League, before La Roja sealed the World Cup in thrilling fashion after a superb tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Despite that, two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is out of the running for this year's award having missed most of the campaign with a knee injury, with her club and international team-mate, Aitana Bonmati, the current favourite to succeed Putellas in lifting the Golden Ball.
We will have to wait until the ceremony on Monday, October 30 to find out whether it is Bonmati or someone else who claims the prize, but for now, here are the players who have been shortlisted for football's ultimate individual honour: