Matildas captain Steph Catley has been named among the world's top 30 players, earning a nomination for the 2025 women's Ballon d'Or.
The 31-year-old Arsenal defender, a key figure in the London club's Women's Champions League victory, is the only Australian to be shortlisted this year.
Her nomination follows a standout season at both club and national levels, where she has led the Matildas in the absence of injured captain Sam Kerr.
She is one of seven Arsenal players recognised in this year's Ballon d'Or list, which also features Spain's Mariona Caldentey and England stars Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo.
Catley is just the third Australian woman to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or since the women’s category was introduced in 2018, following in the footsteps of Kerr and Hayley Raso.
What is the Ballon d'Or?
The Ballon d'Or, or Golden Ball, is considered the most prestigious individual prize in world football.
First awarded to male players in 1956, the women's award was introduced in 2018 in response to the growing impact of women’s football worldwide.
Presented annually by France Football magazine, the prize is voted on by a global panel of journalists, national coaches and team captains.
It recognises overall excellence, leadership and contribution to the game over the course of the season.
This year's winners will be announced in Paris on 22 September.
Kerr has been nominated five times for the Ballon d’Or, finishing second in 2023 and third in both 2021 and 2022, and Hayley Raso received her first nomination in 2023.
Catley, who's been capped 138 times for her country, continues to play a crucial role for both club and country.
Her nomination places her alongside some of the most influential players in the world and marks another milestone for Australian football.
— With additional reporting from the Australian Associated Press
