Who do YOU think has been the best women's footballer this year?

There have been some brilliant performances in women's football over the past year, but which player has stood out the most?

The nominees for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award have been announced, with five players making the shortlist.

The winner will be revealed at next month's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.

Chelsea and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton took home the prize in 2025, but who has made this year's shortlist? Keep reading to find out..

Age: 28 Country: Malawi

Club: Kansas City Position: Forward

Temwa Chawinga has become one of the world's top goal scorers, netting 15 times for Kansas City Current in 2025 and winning the US top league's Most Valuable Player award for the second year in a row.

She also helped Malawi reach their first-ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations final, making history by securing the country's place at next year's Women's World Cup.

Chawinga finished as the tournament's top scorer with five goals.

Age: 29 Country: Poland

Club: Barcelona Position: Forward

Ewa Pajor has had a huge year at Barcelona, playing a key role as the Spanish giants won four trophies last season, including the Women's Champions League.

She scored twice in their 4-0 victory over Lyon in the final and finished as the competition's top scorer.

Pajor also captains Poland as is the team's leading goalscorer.

Age: 32 Country: Spain

Club: London City Lionesses Position: Midfielder

Alexia Putellas is widely considered to be one of the best players in the world, and played a starring role as Spain retained the Women's Nations League

The midfielder joined WSL side London City Lionesses this summer after 14 years at her childhood club Barcelona.

She also recently made history, by winning her third Ballon d'Or, one of football's biggest individual prizes.

Age: 27 Country: England

Club: Arsenal Position: Forward

Alessia Russo has been a key player for Arsenal, scoring 13 goals in the WSL last season to finish as the league's second-highest scorer.

She also helped Arsenal win the Women's Champions Cup, as they beat Brazilian side Corinthians 3-2 after extra time.

The striker reached a big milestone for England earlier this year, scoring her 30th senior international goal - moving her into the top 10 of Lionesses all-time goalscorers.

Age: 29 Country: Jamaica

Club: Manchester City Position: Forward

Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw played a huge part in Manchester City ending their 10-year wait for the Women's Super League title, scoring 21 goals in just 22 league games.

She won the Golden Boot for the third season in a row and was named WSL Player of the Season.

She also made history by becoming the first player to score 100 goals for City's professional women's team.