Melchie Dumornay deserves ‘Serious Consideration’ for Ballon d’Or, The Athletic says

Melchie Dumornay has earned her second straight nomination for the Ballon d’Or Féminin, and this time some voices in the sport believe the Haitian midfielder belongs in the running for the podium, not just the list.

France Football unveiled its 30-player shortlist for the 2026 award on Sept. 8, with the winner to be crowned Oct. 26 in London, the first time in the trophy’s 70-year history that the ceremony will be held outside Paris.

The Athletic’s women’s soccer desk, weighing in ahead of the vote, singled out Dumornay’s case for serious consideration alongside established favorites Alexia Putellas and Ewa Pajor. The outlet’s writers pointed to her game-breaking speed and vision, a hat-trick in the French league final, and standout showings against Arsenal in the Champions League as evidence she has become one of the most electric players in the world, with one contributor adding that she could still land on the podium even if the top spot goes elsewhere.

The nomination caps a standout year for the 23-year-old, known to fans as “Corventina.” Across 36 appearances for OL Lyonnes and the Haitian national team, Dumornay produced 21 goals and 12 assists, helped Lyon sweep both domestic French cups, and was named France’s Player of the Season. UEFA also named her to its Champions League Team of the Season after she powered Lyon to the final, where the club fell 4-0 to Barcelona in Oslo.

Born in Mirebalais, Dumornay joined Lyon in 2023 after making her name at Stade de Reims and signed a contract extension through 2030 last September. Her first Ballon d’Or nomination came in 2025, when she finished 18th with 27 points, a result she and Haitian football now look to improve on when the 2026 winner is announced in London.

Dumornay’s rise into the Ballon d’Or conversation stands as one of Haitian soccer’s proudest moments on the global stage.