Alexia Putellas Wins Record-Equalling Third Women's Ballon d'Or

Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Women's Ballon d'Or for a record-equalling third time during Monday's ceremony at the London Palladium, keeping the prestigious individual prize in Spanish hands for the sixth consecutive year. The 32-year-old collected the most votes from an international panel of journalists representing FIFA's top-50 ranked countries, finishing ahead of Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor in second and Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw in third.

Putellas' latest victory marks a triumphant return to the pinnacle of world football following a career-threatening anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury suffered in July 2022. During the 2025-26 season, she captained Barcelona to a domestic and continental quadruple, securing the Women's Champions League title and a seventh consecutive Liga F crown, while also helping the Spanish national team secure qualification for the 2027 World Cup.

Reflecting on her journey and inspiring future generations, Putellas stated, "All the boys and girls around the world - if you love football and if you want to play football, play football. It doesn't matter if you're a boy or if you're a girl. Doesn't matter where you come from. Don't listen if someone tells you, you can't do it. Believe in yourself."

Across all competitions last season, Putellas recorded stellar statistics, scoring between 21 and 26 goals and providing 13 to 15 assists for club and country, including seven goals and seven assists in the Champions League alone. UEFA recognized her efforts by naming her the best player of the continental competition, capping off a stellar campaign where she shouldered significant creative responsibilities for her squad.

Following the conclusion of her 14-year career with Barcelona, where she made over 500 appearances, scored 230 goals, and collected 38 trophies, Putellas made a high-profile transfer in July to Women's Super League side London City Lionesses. Owned by US billionaire Michele Kang, the ambitious club offered the Spanish star a fresh challenge to help drive growth and development in English football.

Putellas' arrival in the WSL has brought immediate attention and elevated expectations for London City Lionesses, who currently sit third in the league table on a five-game winning streak. Her impact has extended beyond personal statistics, with teammates elevating their performances under her guidance and establishing the club as a formidable challenger in domestic competition.

With this latest achievement, Putellas joins her Spain teammate Aitana Bonmati on three Ballon d'Or Feminin crowns, extending Spain's unbroken streak of victories that began in 2021. The ceremony also honored other notable figures, including England captain Harry Kane, who claimed the men's Ballon d'Or as the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001.