Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, Sophia Wilson and Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw remain among the most prominent names in women’s football in 2026, but their stories this year have taken very different turns. Bonmatí has continued her extraordinary Ballon d’Or run, Putellas has entered a new chapter after leaving Barcelona, Kerr has made a remarkable return from a long injury absence, Wilson has returned to international football, and Shaw has produced a record-setting season with Manchester City.
Rather than simply looking at reputation, here is what makes each player particularly relevant in 2026.
1. Aitana Bonmatí
Position: Midfielder
Country: Spain
Club: FC Barcelona
Aitana Bonmatí has built a remarkable individual legacy before even reaching her peak years. In 2025, she became the first woman to win three Ballon d’Or awards, after previously taking the prize in 2023 and 2024.
Her importance to Barcelona goes beyond goals. Bonmatí operates in midfield, where her ability to receive the ball under pressure, progress play, and create opportunities makes her central to Barça's style.
Her trophy record has continued to grow too. Barcelona's official profile lists seven Liga F titles, eight Copa de la Reina victories, six Spanish Super Cups and four UEFA Women's Champions League titles, along with the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup with Spain.
There is also a fascinating layer to her 2026 story. Bonmatí suffered a fracture to her left fibula in late 2025 and underwent surgery, with Barcelona initially estimating around five months for her recovery.
That means her return has been about more than simply adding another season to an already extraordinary résumé.
Bonmatí combines elite midfield influence with a record three consecutive Women's Ballon d'Or victories, making every major Barcelona and Spain performance worth watching.
2. Alexia Putellas
Position: Midfielder
Country: Spain
Club: London City Lionesses
Alexia Putellas is one of the defining figures of modern women's football. She won the Women's Ballon d'Or in 2021 and 2022, becoming the first woman to retain the award.
But 2026 has brought a major change.
After 14 seasons with Barcelona, Putellas left the club at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. She departed after helping Barça win their fourth UEFA Women's Champions League title.
Her final Barcelona season was especially productive. The club recorded 20 goals in 43 appearances for Putellas during the campaign, including seven goals in the Champions League. Barcelona also confirmed that she left as the club's all-time leading scorer with 232 goals.
Her next chapter began with London City Lionesses, giving fans a chance to see one of the most decorated Spanish players adapt to a new environment after spending her entire senior Barcelona career essentially at the club.
Putellas is no longer simply a Barcelona icon. Her move to England has created a fresh storyline around one of football's most decorated midfielders.
3. Sam Kerr
Position: Forward
Country: Australia
Club: Chelsea, through the end of 2025/26
Few 2026 football stories have been as striking as Sam Kerr's return.
After being sidelined for 637 days because of injury, Kerr returned to Chelsea action during the 2025/26 season and quickly reached a major milestone: her 100th goal for the club.
She did not stop there.
Kerr finished the campaign with 65 Women's Super League goals for Chelsea, surpassing Fran Kirby's previous club record in the competition. She also ended her Chelsea career with 115 goals across all competitions, level with Kirby's overall Chelsea Women scoring record.
Internationally, she continued to play an important role for Australia. In 2026, Kerr scored her 75th international goal during Australia's FIFA Series campaign in Kenya.
Her Chelsea chapter has now closed, making her 2026 story different from the others on this list. The year has effectively been a comeback season and a farewell at the same time.
Kerr demonstrated that a lengthy absence did not erase the goal-scoring instincts that made her one of Australia's biggest football stars.
4. Sophia Wilson
Position: Forward
Country: United States
Club: Portland Thorns FC
Sophia Wilson, formerly known as Sophia Smith, has made 2026 an important comeback year.
The Portland Thorns forward returned to the USWNT after a 17-month international absence following the birth of her daughter. U.S. Soccer selected her for the April 2026 roster, marking her return to the national team setup.
Her return quickly became a major storyline because Wilson reunited with Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson. The trio, nicknamed Triple Espresso, had previously helped the United States win Olympic gold at Paris 2024.
Wilson also returned to Portland for the 2026 NWSL season after exercising her player option.
And she has already delivered on the international stage. In June, Wilson scored her 25th USWNT goal against Brazil.
Her club form has also remained notable. U.S. Soccer reported in August that Wilson had reached 10 goals in the 2026 NWSL campaign, giving her a fourth NWSL season with double-digit goals.
Wilson's story combines elite scoring ability, an international comeback and the return of one of America's most exciting attacking combinations in women's football.
5. Khadija Bunny Shaw
Position: Striker
Country: Jamaica
Club: Manchester City
If 2026 needs one statistic to explain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw's season, it is this: 21 goals in 22 WSL matches.
That scoring run helped Manchester City win the Women's Super League title and earned Shaw her third consecutive WSL Golden Boot, the first time a player has achieved that feat in the competition.
Her individual recognition followed quickly. Shaw was named the 2025/26 WSL Player of the Season, while also receiving the Football Writers' Association Women's Footballer of the Year award.
Her Manchester City numbers are equally impressive. The club says Shaw became its first player in the professional era to score 100 goals, eventually reaching 118 goals in 138 appearances after her 2025/26 campaign.
She has also committed her future to City. Shaw signed a new four-year contract that keeps her at the club until 2030.
And her influence is not limited to the league. In the Women's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, Shaw scored twice, including the extra-time winner, as City came from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Shaw has combined record-breaking scoring with major individual awards and a WSL title, making her one of the defining strikers of the season.
What makes these five stars stand out in 2026?
Their 2026 stories show just how broad the women's game has become.
Bonmatí represents individual dominance and midfield excellence. Putellas represents a major career transition after an extraordinary Barcelona era. Kerr's year has been defined by an improbable return and a record-breaking Chelsea farewell.
Wilson's story is about returning to the USWNT and rebuilding one of America's most exciting attacking partnerships, while Shaw has turned relentless scoring into trophies and individual awards.
The common thread is not simply fame. Each player has produced a concrete storyline in 2026 that gives fans a reason to keep watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Aitana Bonmatí?
Aitana Bonmatí is a Spanish midfielder who plays for FC Barcelona. She has won the Women's Ballon d'Or three times, in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Is Alexia Putellas still at Barcelona?
No. Putellas left Barcelona after the 2025/26 season following 14 seasons with the first team. She subsequently joined London City Lionesses.
What happened to Sam Kerr in 2026?
Kerr returned to Chelsea after a 637-day injury absence, scored her 100th Chelsea goal and finished her Chelsea career with 115 goals in all competitions.
Why is Sophia Wilson called Sophia Smith?
Sophia Smith began using the surname Wilson after marriage. U.S. Soccer's 2026 records and player profile now identify her as Sophia Wilson.
What did Bunny Shaw achieve in 2026?
Shaw scored 21 goals in 22 WSL appearances during Manchester City's 2025/26 title-winning campaign, won her third consecutive WSL Golden Boot and was named WSL Player of the Season.
Which club does Bunny Shaw play for?
Shaw plays for Manchester City and has signed a new contract, keeping her at the club until 2030.
Also Read: Who Are the 5 Most Beautiful Female Footballers 2026?
