Women's Ballon d'Or 2024 Power Rankings: Aitana Bonmati remains in pole position for a second Golden Ball despite late push from the USWNT Olympic gold medalists

And so it is time to find out which players will be nominated 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 verdict of those at France Football and new co-organisers, UEFA, who will announce the nominees for the accolade 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 could be 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 it's likely that the names of Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas will be on the shortlist again this time around.

So, who is in the running for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Feminin? GOAL takes a look at the contenders…