Arsenal were named women’s club of the year at the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers collected the award, and was joined on stage by players including Leah Williamson, Emily Fox, Alessia Russo, Steph Catley, Daphne van Domselaar, Mariona Caldentey and Chloe Kelly, as well as the club’s general manager Clare Wheatley.
In her acceptance speech, Slegers said: “It’s a true honour for Arsenal to be recognised as women’s club of the year. I’m proud to stand here.
“Community is what we’re building at Arsenal Women.
“I have to thank our wonderful supporters, who are and have always been such an integral part of what we do at the club.”
She concluded: “Thank you all again for this award. Invest in women. Invest in women’s sports. When we do that, all of us benefit.”
Arsenal were nominated alongside Barcelona, Chelsea, OL Lyonnes, and Orlando Pride.
Barcelona have won the award both times it has been presented previously.
Award recognises “historic” season
Celebrating the win, Arsenal’s official website released a statement saying that the award recognised their “historic 2024/25 season”, which concluded with winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the second time in their history.
They also finished second in the Women’s Super League, behind champions Chelsea.
It also marks some significant growth off the pitch; starting this season, all Arsenal’s home games in the WSL are being played at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal nominations at 2025 Ballon d’Or
The win was a bright spot in an evening that was perhaps slightly disappointing overall for Arsenal. With seven players nominated for the individual Ballon d’Or itself, the prize was still taken by Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, for the third consecutive year.
Mariona finished second, with Russo third. Kelly, Williamson, Fox, Frida Leonhardsen Maanum and Catley were the other Arsenal nominees.
Van Domselaar was nominated for the inaugural Lev Yashin Trophy, for the best female goalkeeper, finishing fifth. The prize was won by Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton.
And Michelle Agyemang, now on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion, who became a household name over the summer with her super-sub appearances for the Lionesses en route to lifting the trophy, finished fourth in the standings for the Kopa Trophy, the award given to the best female player under 21. It was won by Barcelona’s Vicky Lopez.
Slegers was nominated for the Johan Cruyff Trophy, given to the best coach in the women’s game, which was won by Sarina Wiegman.
