England's James, Bronze, and Hemp nominated for women's Ballon d'Or
What's the story
England's football stars Lauren James, Lucy Bronze, and Lauren Hemp have been nominated for the prestigious women's Ballon d'Or.
This award recognizes the most outstanding female footballer of the year.
The three were key players in the 2023 Women's World Cup final where England was defeated by Spain.
The list of nominees also includes Aitana Bonmati from Spain who plays for Barcelona and won this award in 2023.
Club representation
Chelsea players dominate Ballon d'Or nominations
Chelsea have a strong presence in the nominations with four players, including Germany's Sjoeke Nusken and Colombia's Mayra Ramirez.
Bronze, who left Barcelona after her contract ended in June, and James are also among these nominees.
Other notable names on the list include Japan's Yui Hasegawa, who plays for Manchester City and Spain's Mariona Caldentey, an Arsenal forward.
Club competition
Chelsea vie for club of the year prize
In addition to individual player nominations, Chelsea are also contending for the club-of-the-year award.
The 2023/24 Women's Super League champions will have pip Barcelona, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain to get this accolede.
Coaching accolade
US manager Emma Hayes competes for top coaching award
The women's coach-of-the-year award sees United States manager Emma Hayes in competition with England chief Sarina Wiegman and Chelsea successor Sonia Bompastor.
This recognition is part of the same event where the best female footballer will be honored.
The ceremony, set to take place in Paris on October 28, promises to be a celebration of women's football excellence.
Nominees
List of women's Ballon d'Or nominees (1/3)
Aitana Bonmati (Spain and Barcelona), Barbra Banda (Zambia and Orlando Pride), Tarciane (Brazil and Houston Dash), Lauren Hemp (England and Manchester City), Trinity Rodman (United States and Washington Spirit), Ada Hegerberg (Norway and Lyon), Manuela Giugliano (Italy and Roma), Mallory Swanson (United States and Chicago Red Stars), Glodis Viggosdottir (Iceland and Bayern Munich), Mariona Caldentey (Spain and Arsenal), Lauren James (England and Chelsea), Lea Schuller (Germany and Bayern Munich), Patricia Guijarro (Spain and Barcelona), and Gabi Portilho (Brazil and Corinthians).
Nominees
List of women's Ballon d'Or nominees (2/3)
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi and Lyon), Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway and Barcelona), Lindsey Horan (United States and Lyon), Sjoeke Nusken (Germany and Chelsea), Yui Hasegawa (Japan and Manchester City), Lucy Bronze (England and Chelsea), Salma Paralluelo (Spain and Barcelona), Giulia Gwinn (Germany and Bayern Munich), Khadija Shaw (Jamaica and Manchester City), Grace Geyoro (France and Paris St-Germain), Alexia Putellas (Spain and Barcelona), Sophia Smith (United States and Portland Thorns), and Ewa Pajor and (Poland and Barcelona).
Information
List of women's Ballon d'Or nominees (2/3)
Alyssa Naeher (United States and Chicago Red Stars), Mayra Ramirez (Colombia and Chelsea), and Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France and Paris St-Germain).