As the football world looks toward the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, early analysis suggests a potential shift in the sport's hierarchy. The Guardian has placed 23-year-old midfielder Melchie Dumornay at the top of its power rankings, citing her technical proficiency and central role within the OL Lyonnes squad.

Dumornay’s candidacy is built on a strong domestic campaign, during which Lyonnes secured a treble. While the team suffered a 4-0 loss to Barcelona in the previous Champions League final, the report argues that Dumornay’s influence remains unmatched. The French players’ union recognized her contributions by naming her player of the year.

Her importance to the team was underscored by her injury-related absence during the Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal, a match Lyonnes lost 2-1. Upon her return for the second leg, Dumornay delivered a player-of-the-match performance, which analysts point to as evidence of her individual value. The ranking suggests that if Dumornay maintains this level of play, she is a primary candidate to be crowned the next winner of the prestigious award.