Women’s Football Power Rankings: Changing Landscape and Emotional Tributes

Women’s Football Power Rankings: A Year of Change

Women’s football has witnessed a transformative year, with new faces breaking through and emotional moments shaping the narrative. From the unpredictability of the 2025 Ballon d’Or Feminin race to the heartfelt tributes following the passing of influential figures, the sport continues to evolve, captivating fans and athletes alike.

Unpredictable Ballon d’Or Feminin Race in 2025

The Ballon d’Or Feminin, once easier to forecast, has entered an era of uncertainty. With England’s dramatic victory over Spain in the European Championship final, the landscape of women’s football has shifted. Traditionally, Spanish stars like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati have dominated the award, but England’s Alessia Russo has now pushed herself into serious contention. Her game-changing performances and relentless drive have captured the attention of fans and pundits, making her a strong candidate to break Spain’s recent dominance.

Could a Lioness Capture the Golden Ball?

The question on everyone’s mind: Could a Lioness finally lift the Ballon d’Or Feminin? With players like Russo and her England teammates performing at the highest level, the possibility has never felt more real. Elsewhere, Mariona Caldentey remains a favorite, but the competition is fierce, highlighting the growing strength and depth in women’s football.

Matt Beard: An Emotional Farewell and Lasting Legacy

The women’s football community was rocked by the tragic death of Matt Beard, the former Liverpool and West Ham manager. Alisha Lehmann, who began her WSL journey under Beard’s mentorship, described him as “the first person that believed in me,” underscoring his profound impact on the next generation of stars. Clubs across the Women’s Super League paid their respects, with Liverpool postponing their fixture against Aston Villa and a minute’s silence held league-wide. Beard is remembered not only as a successful manager but also as a person of integrity and warmth, who left an indelible mark on the sport.

Tributes Pour in From Across Women’s Football

High-profile names like Emma Hayes and Alessia Russo led social media tributes, while Beard’s former clubs shared heartfelt statements. The collective mourning in the football community highlighted the unity and respect within the women’s game.

Rising Stars and Shifting Dynamics in the Women’s Super League

While tributes dominated headlines, the Women’s Super League (WSL) showcased a new generation of talent. Arsenal’s Katie Reid has emerged as a defensive powerhouse in Leah Williamson’s absence, surprising many who expected established names to step up. Meanwhile, Chloe Kelly’s injury setback at Arsenal has opened opportunities for new stars, including Olivia Smith, who became the first-ever million-pound women’s footballer.

Alessia Russo’s Journey: From College to Contender

Alessia Russo’s path to stardom has been anything but straightforward. Reflecting on her bold decision to move to the United States for college, Russo credits the experience with shaping her both on and off the pitch. Her close bond with Lotte Wubben-Moy and resilience after the 2023 World Cup final loss have defined her as a leader and role model for aspiring athletes.

International Headlines: Champions League, Transfers, and More

The UEFA Women’s Champions League league phase draw delivered exciting fixtures for English clubs. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United face challenging opponents, with Mary Earps set for a dramatic reunion against her former team as Paris Saint-Germain’s new star goalkeeper. Off the pitch, transfer news continues to buzz—most notably, Alexia Putellas’s reported decision to stay at Barcelona despite lucrative offers from Paris Saint-Germain.

Noteworthy Moves and Debuts

Alisha Lehmann has settled into her new life at Como Women, both on and off the pitch, marking her first goal with a signature fishing celebration. Meanwhile, USWNT fans can look forward to international friendlies against Italy, Portugal, and New Zealand, as the team fine-tunes preparations for the coming year.

Women’s Football in the Spotlight: Media and Gaming

Women’s football is not only growing on the pitch but also in media and gaming. Football Manager 26 will feature the largest women’s football database ever, allowing fans to manage teams across continents and leagues. This expansion is a testament to the sport’s rising popularity and recognition in mainstream culture.

Sheffield United’s Decision Sparks Debate

Off the pitch, debate continues around Sheffield United’s refusal to retire the No.8 shirt in honor of the late Maddy Cusack. The decision has drawn emotional responses from Cusack’s family and the football community, calling for greater respect and recognition of players’ legacies.

Power Rankings: Who’s Rising and Who’s Not?

As the NWSL and WSL seasons progress, power rankings highlight the hottest teams and players. NJ/NY Gotham FC made headlines with a record $1.25 million signing of J. Shaw, while Chelsea’s Sam Kerr made a triumphant return to the pitch after a lengthy injury absence, scoring for the first time in 634 days.

Opinion: The Heartbeat of Women’s Football

The 2024-25 season reinforces that women’s football is about more than just results. It’s about emotional connections, breaking barriers, and building a supportive community. As new stars emerge and the game’s landscape shifts, the passion and resilience of players and fans continue to drive the sport forward. For a deeper dive into all the latest developments, visit for more news and updates on the dynamic world of women’s football.