Sam Mewis, Christine Sinclair featured on 2021 Ballon d’Or shortlist

France Football has announced its 2021 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best female soccer player in the world.

Last year saw the award be cancelled for the first time in its history. Set to make its return, France Football have decided on the 20-person shortlist for the prize.

Megan Rapinoe, who won the award in 2019, is notably absent from the list.

Women’s Ballon d’Or 2021 award nominees

• Kadidiatou Diani (PSG)
• Fran Kirby (Chelsea)
• Jennifer Hermoso (Barcelona)
• Christiane Endler (Lyon)
• Christine Sinclair (Thorns FC)
• Ashley Lawrence (PSG)
• Irene Paredes (PSG, Barcelona)
• Jessie Fleming (Chelsea)
• Lieke Martens (Barcelona)
• Sandra Panos (Barcelona)
• Viviane Miedema (Arsenal)
• Ellen White (Manchester City)
• Pernille Harder (Chelsea )
• Samantha Mewis (North Carolina Courage)
• Wendie Renard (Lyon)
• Marie-Antoinette Katoto (PSG)
• Stina Blackstenius (Häcken)
• Magdalena Eriksson (Chelsea)
• Sam Kerr (Chelsea)
• Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)