GGFN Editorial case for giving Bayern Munich's other Ballon d'Or contender, Klara Bühl, more recognition
There was a moment during Germany's October 13 friendly against Japan at Bremen's Weserstadion attended by Get German Football News that seemed to encapsulate everything that makes Klara Bühl such an exceptional footballer. Racing toward the corner flag in the 57th minute, the Bayern Munich winger somehow managed to stop a ball from going out of play with a deft back-heel before promptly nutmegging Japanese defender Yuzuki Yamamoto.
The sequence produced no goal or assist. The extraordinary combination of athleticism, determination, technical precision, and audacity was a reminder of just how much Bühl contributes beyond what appears on the scoresheet.
Naturally, the 25-year-old also found time to provide both a goal and an assist as Germany came from behind to defeat Japan 2-1. Bühl set up Linda Dallmann's 28th-minute equalizer with a precise cutback after being played into space by Franziska Kett.
Twelve minutes later, she narrowly missed scoring a spectacular goal herself, cutting inside from the left before curling an effort inches wide of the far post. After the interval, Bühl continued to torment the Japanese defense.
Another pass from the winger presented Dallmann with an excellent opportunity in the 65th minute before she finally got her deserved goal eight minutes later. Receiving a pass from Melissa Kössler, Bühl swept the ball into the bottom corner to complete Germany's comeback.
Her outstanding performance also earned her a standing ovation from the Bremen crowd. The match took place after the assessment period for the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or had concluded.
It nevertheless provided another vivid illustration of the qualities that have made Bühl one of the most influential attacking players in European football. Which brings us to Monday evening's ceremony in London.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, held at the London Palladium to mark the award's 70th anniversary, saw Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane become the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to claim the men's award. Spain's Alexia Putellas collected her third Women's Ballon d'Or, finishing ahead of Poland's Ewa Pajor and Jamaica's Khadija Shaw.
Bayern Munich had three representatives among the 30 nominees for the women's award. Danish international Pernille Harder secured an impressive seventh-place finish, while Japanese international Momoko Tanikawa finished 23rd.