Gotham FC teammates Rose Lavelle and Ann-Katrin Berger have been nominated for major awards ahead of the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Lavelle is among a 30-player list of nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin, while Berger has been nominated for Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or awards, presented by France Football, will take place on October 26 in London.
Players’ performances from August 3, 2025, through July 19, 2026, are evaluated by an international jury of specialized journalists. There are 50 voters for the Women’s Ballon d’Or from the top 50 FIFA-ranked nations.
Each voter selects 10 players in order of merit. The points are: 15 points for a first place, 12 points for second place, 10 points for third place, eight points for fourth place, seven points for fifth place, five points for sixth place, four points for seventh place, three points for eighth place, two points for ninth place and one point for 10th place.
The voting criteria are: 1) individual performances (decisive and impressive), 2) team performances and achievements, 3) class and fair play.
Lavelle, Berger Key to Gotham FC’s Success
Lavelle was named 2025 U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, and her 80th-minute goal won Gotham the 2025 NWSL championship over the rival Washington Spirit.
FC Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí scooped the Ballon d’Or Féminin in three consecutive seasons, becoming the first player to do so.
Berger finished second in the inaugural 2025 Women’s Yashin Trophy behind Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
Last season, Berger shared the 2025 German Women’s Footballer of the Year with Bayern Munich right-back Giulia Gwinn.
Through 20 games played, Berger leads all NWSL goalkeepers with a 0.85 goals-against average and 10 shutouts. Berger and Gotham captain Tierna Davidson were recently named to the NWSL’s Best XI for the month of August.
Lavelle and Berger have been integral to Gotham FC’s first-place standing in the NWSL. Gotham visits Lynn Family Stadium on Friday to face Racing Louisville FC, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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