da imperador bet： With two-time defending champion Alexia Putellas out of the running after a season decimated by injuries, a new winner will be crowned on October 30

da betsson： 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:

GettyKadidiatou Diani (Lyon)

France Football's French Player of the Season, Diani was the top scorer in the league before scoring four more goals for France at the World Cup.

AdvertisementGettyLinda Caicedo (Real Madrid)

The 18-year-old wonderkid has truly broken through, starring for Colombia at the World Cup while scoring the Goal of the Tournament against Germany.

GettyAlba Redondo (Levante)

A vital player for Spain, scoring three times at the World Cup, she also won the Pichichi award for being the top goalscorer in the Liga F season with 28 finishes.

Getty ImagesRachel Daly (Aston Villa)

After moving to Aston Villa in August 2022, Daly scored 30 goals in as many matches before featuring for England in their run to the World Cup final.