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Jamaica’s Khadija "Bunny" Shaw has etched her name into the record books with a third-place finish in the women’s Ballon d’Or voting, according to the Jamaica Observer. The Manchester City striker’s placement represents a watershed moment for Caribbean football, as no Jamaican has ever ranked higher in the competition’s storied history.
Spain’s Alexia Putellas claimed the 2026 award following an exceptional campaign that saw her lead Barcelona to four trophies. The honour marks Putellas’ third Ballon d’Or title, adding to victories in 2021 and 2022. Barcelona teammate Ewa Pajor rounded out the top three, finishing in second place in the voting.
Putellas has since moved to English club London City Lionesses, continuing her trajectory as one of women’s football’s elite performers. Shaw’s podium finish underscores the growing prominence of Caribbean talent on the global football stage and signals her emergence as one of the sport’s most accomplished players.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded annually to recognise outstanding excellence in football. The women’s award has grown in prominence and prestige over recent years, drawing international recognition to the world’s best female players.
Shaw’s third-place finish represents a historic achievement for Jamaica and the Caribbean region, marking the highest ever placement by a Jamaican player in the Ballon d’Or competition and reflecting the rising global profile of Caribbean football talent.
Sources and attribution
- Jamaica Observer
- Putellas wins Ballon d'Or as Barcelona dominate women's awards
- 2026 Ballon d'Or Feminin final rankings: How the top players finished from 1-30
- Alexia Putellas wins women’s Ballon d’Or for joint-record third time
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