Bonmati, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, is not on the list of 30 nominees, which includes Putellas.

On September 8 in Paris, French magazine France Football officially revealed the 30-nominee list for the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or. Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmatí, who won the award in 2023, 2024, and 2025, was notably excluded from the shortlist.

Despite Bonmatí's absence, Spain remains represented on the 30-player list by compatriot Alexia Putellas, a two-time winner of the award in 2021 and 2022, and Mariona Caldentey.

The 2026 nominations also marked a historic milestone for Mexican women's football as Club América forward Scarlett Camberos was included in the initial rollout of nominees, making her the first Mexican player nominated for the prestigious global honor.