After a two-year absence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ballon d’Or Feminin is back.

The award was created in 2018, with Lyon’s Ada Hegerberg the first ever recipient. US star Megan Rapinoe then won the accolade in 2019.

This year, the official shortlist, published on Friday, is expected to be dominated by Barcelona players. The club achieved a historic treble last season, winning the Women’s Champions League, Primera Iberdrola and Copa de la Reina.

There is also the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to take into account – which players shone in the women’s football tournament?

In no particular order, GiveMeSport Women lists five players who should be nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or Feminin.

Jenni Hermoso

Jenni Hermoso had a sensational season with Barcelona this year. For the fifth time in six seasons, and for the third consecutive campaign, Hermoso was the Primera Iberdrola’s top goalscorer. She hit the back of the net 33 times, and racked up 14 assists.

The 31-year-old forward also helped Barcelona to Champions League glory with six goals in the tournament, joint-top with Chelsea’s Fran Kirby.