As the international break concludes, women’s football returned this weekend worldwide. This week’s preview examines some of the prominent news and results within the women’s game.
Our focus includes key updates from the Première Ligue in France, the Primera División de la Liga de Fútbol Femenino (Liga F), Spain’s premier women’s football league, the Barclays Women’s Super League, and we also cover the conclusion of the Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship in South Africa.
This week commenced with the notable 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, marking the 68th edition of this prestigious event, which was held on Monday, 28 October, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmatí from Spain, representing Barcelona, was awarded the Ballon d’Or. Her victory is well-deserved, as she played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s success. She was joined on the podium by her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona) and Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona), further highlighting Barcelona’s dominance in women’s football. This achievement is not unprecedented, as Barcelona has previously showcased their strength in the Ballon d’Or, having three of their stars occupy the top three positions in 2010 when academy graduates Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta were recognized as the best in the world.
Aitana returned to Barcelona on Saturday, November 2, where she had the privilege of showcasing the Ballon d’Or to the home crowd before the match against Eibar at Estadi Johan Cruyff. Barcelona secured a decisive 4-0 victory, with goals scored by Alexia Puttellas, Vicky López, Patricia Guijarro, and Ona Batlle, who netted the final goal. Aitana, the Ballon d’Or recipient, entered the match as a substitute. This triumph over Eibar marks the eighth consecutive win for the team, maintaining their undefeated status in the league this season and placing them at the top of the standings.
As Aitana celebrated her second Ballon d’Or, she was recognized as the best player in the world for the second consecutive year, contributing to Barcelona Women’s fourth consecutive win of this accolade, following Alexia Puttellas, who also holds two Ballon d’Or titles. Additionally, the Barcelona women’s team was awarded the title of women’s club of the year, having previously won this inaugural title in 2023. They earned this recognition after clinching the Liga F, Champions League, Supercopa, and Copa de la Reina. Barcelona President Joana Laporta said: “We are honored.”
To see the Lifa F Table Standings: LINK https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/futbol-femenino/standing
Barclays Women’s Soccer League
The reigning champions, Chelsea, have commenced their season with an impressive record of five consecutive victories under the guidance of their new manager, Sonia Bompastor. On Sunday, November 3rd, they triumphed over Everton with a score of 5-0. Aggie Beever-Jones initiated the scoring with a remarkable header, elevating above Everton’s defense to secure the vital first goal. Erin Cuthbert added the second goal in the 43rd minute. Just before halftime, Guro Reiten netted the third goal for Chelsea, allowing them to enter the break with a commanding lead of 3-0. Upon resuming play, 19-year-old Weiken Kaptein contributed the fourth goal, followed by Ashley Lawrence, who scored the final goal of the match.
Chelsea currently occupies the second position in the standings, trailing Manchester City, who have suffered only one defeat this season.
Full table: https://www.skysports.com/womens-super-league-table
Hannah Hampton, the goalkeeper for Chelsea and the England national team, has reached a significant milestone by becoming the youngest player in history to complete 100 matches in the Barclays Women’s Soccer League at the age of 23.
Première Ligue
In the Première Ligue, the highlight of the weekend was the fierce rivalry between Olympique Lyonnais Féminin and Paris Saint-Germain FC. Whenever these two teams clash, the pitch endures significant wear, and this was evident during their encounter on Sunday, November 3rd. Lyon emerged victorious with a score of 1-0, courtesy of Tabitha Chawinga’s goal in the 27th minute of the first half, which secured their position at the top of the league standings.
Full table table standings: https://www.soccerstats.com/latest.asp?league=france14
Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship in South Africa
The host nation, South Africa, was defeated by Zambia in the penalty shootout of the final Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship held on Saturday, November 2, in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Following a goalless draw in regular time, the match proceeded to penalties, where South Africa fell short with a score of 5-4.
Despite the loss, coach Maud Khumalo’s team can take pride in their performance, having fielded a youthful squad predominantly composed of teenagers representing the nation at the highest level. Additionally, goalkeeper Jessica Williams, who scored an impressive free kick during the tournament, was awarded the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Isabella Ludwig received the accolade of Player of the Tournament. Furthermore, five South African players—Kesha Hendricks, Isabella Ludwig, Asanda Hadebe, Ntando Phahla, and Jessica Williams—were selected for the tournament’s best XI. Joining them in this prestigious lineup were Ochuma Lubandji, Fridah Mukoma, Evarine Katongo, and Pauline Zulu from Zambia, as well as Nobukhosi Ncube from Zimbabwe and Zenatha Coleman from Namibia. The title of Coach of the Tournament was awarded to Florence Nkatya of Zambia.