Figure caption, Meet the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year contenders

By Sophia Hartley

BBC Sport journalist

Voting is now open for the BBC World Service Women's Footballer of the Year 2026.

Fans worldwide can vote from the five-player shortlist of Temwa Chawinga, Ewa Pajor, Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo and Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw.

The vote closes on Wednesday, 18 November at 09:00 GMT.

For the first time in the award's history, the winner will be announced as part of the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday, 13 December as well as on the BBC World Service and the BBC Sport website and app.

Contenders for the award - now in its 12th year - are nominated by coaches, journalists and former professionals.…