Steph Catley receives Ballon d'Or nominations

Steph Catley has received her first nomination for the prestigious Ballon d'Or overnight following the announcement of the 30-player shortlist.

The defender makes the list for the first time after helping Arsenal to the UEFA Women's Champions League title for the 2024/25 season. Catley has been nominated alongside six of her Arsenal teammates following their European triumph.

Catley becomes the third Australian woman to be nominated for the award since it was first introduced in 2018, with Sam Kerr being nominated five times and Hayley Raso receiving her first nomination in 2023. 

Although Australian fans might be familiar with the 138-capped defender playing at left back for her country, this season saw her take on a centre-back role at Arsenal. Playing a pivotal role in keeping the defending champions, Barcelona, scoreless in the Champions League final. 

For just the fourth time in the history of the award, it will be awarded based on the results of the season, from 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025, instead of the calendar year.

The winners will be announced in Paris at the annual award ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet on September 22.

2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees