Cast your vote for BBC 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. 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, 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.

It covers the period September 2025-September 2026. Her impact on the National Women's Soccer League is clear. Her extraordinary form helped Kansas City Current clinch the NWSL Shield as the league's top team in the regular season.

Chawinga scored 15 goals in the 2025 season as she became the first player to be named NWSL MVP in back-to-back campaigns. She also won the Golden Boot for the second year in a row. Alongside her sister Tabitha, she helped Malawi reach the country's first Wafcon final and - in doing so - qualify for the Women's World Cup for the first time.