The 2023 Ballon d’Or Gala
The 2023 Ballon d’Or gala is set for next Monday as France Football unveils a new chapter in the history of women’s football. This ceremony marks a fresh milestone for the sport, highlighting the ongoing impact of female players on the global stage and recognizing standout talents from leagues around the world.
When did the women’s Ballon d’Or begin?
France Football introduced the women’s Ballon d’Or in 2010, aligning it with the period when the award merged with FIFA’s prize. After the two awards separated in 2016, the prize took a brief hiatus and returned in 2018, continuing its tradition of honoring the top female footballer each year. The narrative of the award mirrors broader changes in the sport during the last decade, reflecting increased visibility and investment in women’s football across North America, Europe, and beyond.
Winners by year
2010 – Martha Vieira da Silva (Brazil, Gold Pride)
2011 – Homare Sawa (Japan, Kobe Leonessa)
2012 – Abby Wambach (United States, MagicJack)
2013 – Nadine Angerer (Germany, Brisbane Roar)
2014 – Nadine Kesler (Germany, Wolfsburg)
2015 – Carli Lloyd (United States, Houston Dash)
2016 – Not awarded
2017 – Not awarded
2018 – Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyon)
2019 – Megan Rapinoe (United States, Seattle Reign)
2020 – Award not presented due to exceptional circumstances
2021 – Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)
2022 – Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)
2023 – To be announced
Source: Goal