Ballon d'Or 2026: Vicky Lopez targets repeat as Barcelona duo headline young talent race | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Vicky Lopez, who inaugurated the roll of honour in 2025, is bidding to retain the women’s young talent award at Ballon d'Or 2026 after a 53-match, 17-goal, 15-assist season capped by five trophies. Barcelona team-mate Clara Serrajordi is among the leading rivals.

Serrajordi also won all five competitions she entered this season, and, thrust into Barcelona’s midfield at 17 during Aitana Bonmati’s long absence, showcased her range. Now 18, she has 48 matches, 2 goals and 7 assists to her name.

In the same role, American Lily Yohannes, Ajax-schooled, stood out for OL Lyonnes. Her 48 outings brought 6 goals and 10 assists, and she lifted the French league, the Coupe de France, the League Cup and the SheBelieves Cup.

Sweden forward Felicia Schröder lit up Häcken’s run to the new Europa Cup and the league, scoring 36 in 49. Real Madrid secured her from June 2026, outbidding Chelsea for a little over 1.5m, the second most expensive deal in the womens game.

The final berth goes to Chelsea centre-back Veerle Buurman, 20, who made 34 appearances with 2 goals as she won the English League Cup in her first nomination season. She was selected ahead of a pack including Moultrie, Holmberg, Schertenleib, Beney, Saldivar and Koga.

Source: L'Équipe

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