Football fans around the globe can now have their say in choosing the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2026. The prestigious award, now in its 12th year, has unveiled a five-player shortlist featuring some of the biggest names in the women's game: Temwa Chawinga, Ewa Pajor, Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo, and Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw.

Voting is open until Wednesday, 18 November at 09:00 GMT. This year marks a historic change: for the first time, the winner will be announced at the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year event, as well as on the BBC World Service and the BBC Sport website and app. The award recognizes performances from September 2025 to September 2026, with nominees selected by coaches, journalists, and former professionals.

Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current & Malawi)

Chawinga has cemented her status as one of the most lethal forwards in world football. Her remarkable form propelled Kansas City Current to the NWSL Shield as the league's top regular-season team. Individually, she scored 15 goals in the 2025 season, becoming the first player to win NWSL MVP in back-to-back campaigns, and claimed the Golden Boot for the second consecutive year. Her exploits earned her a contract extension through 2029.

On the international stage, Chawinga returned to the Malawi squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Alongside her sister Tabitha, she helped Malawi reach their first-ever Wafcon final and qualify for the Women's World Cup for the first time. Chawinga found the net against Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, and Algeria, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with five goals.

Ewa Pajor (Barcelona & Poland)

Pajor is widely regarded as a world-class number nine, and her performances for Barcelona last season only reinforced that reputation. She was instrumental in the club's four-trophy haul, scoring the first two goals in a 4-0 Champions League final victory over Lyon. Those goals secured her the competition's top scorer award and her first Champions League title after five previous final defeats (four with Wolfsburg, one with Barcelona).

In Liga F, Pajor enjoyed another outstanding season, netting 16 goals in 23 appearances and providing five assists as Barcelona clinched the domestic treble. Internationally, she captains Poland and is the team's all-time leading goalscorer.

Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses & Spain)

Putellas again demonstrated why she is one of the most influential footballers on the planet. After 14 years at Barcelona, she delivered a spectacular final season, helping the club win four major trophies. Her 14 goal contributions in 11 Champions League appearances were pivotal as Barcelona lifted the trophy for the fourth time, and her experience and leadership proved decisive in key moments.

Putellas delayed announcing her move to London City Lionesses to avoid distracting her teammates, but in July 2026 she completed the transfer, citing the club's "women-only identity and ambition" as key factors. For Spain, she was instrumental in retaining the Women's Nations League in late 2025, scoring a hat-trick against Sweden in the semi-finals and being named player of the finals after Spain's 3-0 victory over Germany. Last month, she was awarded a record-equalling third Ballon d'Or.

Alessia Russo (Arsenal & England)

Russo has once again proven to be a trusted and integral attacking force for Arsenal and a key player for England. She scored 13 WSL goals last season, finishing second in the league's scoring charts, and added six assists in 22 appearances. Across all competitions, she registered 24 goals and eight assists.

Among the highlights of her season was winning the inaugural Women's Champions Cup with Arsenal, beating Corinthians 3-2 after extra time. It was the first competitive trophy Arsenal's women's team had lifted at the Emirates, though they finished runners-up to Manchester City in the WSL. Russo remains England's first-choice striker and in April scored her 30th senior international goal to move into the top 10 of Lionesses goalscorers. She was also nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award.

Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw (Manchester City & Jamaica)

Shaw has established herself as one of the world's elite forwards after a stellar year. As the defining striker in Manchester City's Women Super League title-winning campaign, she scored 21 goals in 22 league appearances, won a record third consecutive WSL Golden Boot, and was named WSL Player of the Season.

Her goals were central to City ending a 10-year wait for the league title. They went on to complete the Double, with Shaw scoring the opening goal in their FA Cup final victory over Brighton at Wembley to finish the season with 26 goals in all competitions. In December 2025, she reached a major personal milestone by becoming the first player in the history of City's professional women's team to score 100 goals. Amid uncertainty over her future, Shaw announced at City's end-of-season celebrations that she had signed a new four-year contract through to 2030.

To cast your vote and read the full terms and conditions, visit the BBC Sport website. Voting closes on Wednesday, 18 November at 09:00 GMT.