A split image of Alessia Russo, Alexia Putellas and Khadija Shaw
Image caption,

Alessia Russo (left) and Khadija Shaw (right) are among the contenders seeking to deny Alexia Putellas (centre) a third Ballon d'Or

ByJoe BradshawBBC Sport senior journalist
  • Published6 hours ago

When the Ballon d'Or for best female footballer is dished out on Monday night, the chances are it will be a familiar figure that lifts the coveted trophy.

Spanish icons Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas have hoovered up the past five awards - and Putellas is favourite to win it for a third time.