The competition for the Ballon d'Or is underway, with Mariona as the leading contender
The Women's Football Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or Féminin) award is set to be a hotly contested affair this year, with several standout performers vying for the prestigious accolade. One of the key contenders is Mariona Caldentey, the Spanish midfielder who has had an exceptional season both with Arsenal and the Spanish national team.
Caldentey has been directly involved in 42 goals (23 goals and 19 assists) in the 2022 season, a testament to her impactful play. She has also made 11 appearances for the Spanish national team, scoring three goals and providing eight assists.
In the Euro Cup, Caldentey shone brightly, leading the tournament with 21 passes inside the area. Her performances earned her a spot in the ideal eleven, alongside Alexia, Aitana, and Patri Guijarro. However, she faces stiff competition from her teammate at Arsenal, Alessia Russo, who is also shaping up to be one of her main rivals for awards.
Other contenders include England's Beth Mead, who won the Golden Boot at the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 with six goals and five assists. Ghizlane Chebbak, the Golden Boot winner at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), is another notable contender from Africa. Germany's Alexandra Popp, who had a strong showing at Euro 2022, is also in the running.
Spain's run in the Euro Cup came to an end in a penalty shootout against England, finishing as runners-up. Caldentey's contributions were not limited to the tournament, as she was also the MVP of the British championship and helped Arsenal win the Champions League.
Lucy Bronze, the defender of Chelsea, is also in the running for awards due to England's good performance in the Euro Cup. Chloe Kelly, author of the final penalty in the shootout against Spain and the goal that secured victory in the semifinal against Italy, is another rival for Caldentey.
The new season for women's football is about to begin, promising more exciting moments and fierce competition. The Euro Cup, a global showcase for women's football, concluded recently, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in women's football.
People in the football world eagerly anticipate the outcome of the Women's Football Golden Ball award, with players like Mariona Caldentey, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Ghizlane Chebbak, Alexandra Popp, Lucy Bronze, and Chloe Kelly positioning themselves as strong contenders for the prestigious accolade. In sports, especially football, competition among individuals and teams adds thrill and excitement for fans, as each player strives to reach the pinnacle of their career.
