Russo and Greenwood nominated for Ballon d'Or

What the report says

England internationals Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood have been named among the 30 players shortlisted for the women’s Ballon d’Or, according to BBC Sport Football. They are the only Lionesses included in the list, while Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who has won the prize for the past three years, is not nominated after missing significant time through injury.

BBC Sport said Arsenal forward Russo finished third in last year’s voting and had another productive season, with 24 goals in 40 club appearances. Greenwood, the Manchester City captain, was recognised after helping City win both the Women’s Super League and FA Cup last season. Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir is also on the shortlist after scoring 20 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid before moving to Lyon in June.

The women’s Ballon d’Or is marking its 70th anniversary. The award was created by France Football in 1956, and this year’s winner will be announced in London on 26 October. BBC Sport noted that the choice of London is a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the first Ballon d’Or winner.

The shortlist places the English pair among a wider field of leading players from clubs including Barcelona, Manchester City, Lyon and Arsenal. The nomination underlines the continued prominence of women’s football in Europe and the growing profile of individual awards in the game.