Trio of Canadian women up for soccer's Ballon d'Or for 1st time in history of award

The history-making Canadian women's soccer team could further add to its legacy.

Three stalwarts of the gold-medal winning side are up for the Ballon d'Or, presented to the world's top soccer player — the first time Canadians have been nominated for the prestigious award.

But what is the Ballon d'Or?

Awarded by France Football magazine, the Ballon d'Or had been given out every year since 1956, until the pandemic paused it in 2020.

WATCH | CBC Sports' Signa Butler breaks down 3 Canadians up for Ballon d'Or:

The magazine only started its women's award in 2018 when Norway's Ada Hegerberg took the prize. American star Megan Rapinoe won in 2019.

The women's and men's winners will be announced Nov. 29. Journalists from around the world vote on a shortlist of 20 women and 30 men to decide the prize.

This is separate from The Best FIFA Football Awards, of which Sinclair, goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé and coach Bev Priestman are nominated for. Those honours, voted on by fans, will be handed out Jan. 17, 2022.

Jessie Fleming (Chelsea)

Fleming's goal off a penalty kick in a 1-0 semifinal win over the Americans in Tokyo will go down as one of the seminal moments in Canadian soccer history. The celebration slide at the Canadian sideline was equally terrific.

In all, Fleming scored on three penalties at the Olympics, including two in the gold-medal game against Sweden, but more than that, was a machine in the midfield, playing every minute of every game for the Canadians.

For club, Fleming joined a stacked Chelsea last season, winning the Women's Super League and FA Cup.

This year she's playing a more prominent role, appearing in eight games, starting four and scoring three goals.

Ashley Lawrence (Paris Saint-Germain)