Spain international, Alexia Putellas has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin, securing the prestigious individual award for the third time and equalling the record held by her compatriot Aitana Bonmatí.
The 32-year-old midfielder received the honour at Monday’s ceremony, capping an outstanding 2025-26 campaign in which she captained Barcelona to four trophies, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
Putellas’ latest triumph extends Spain’s dominance of the women’s award to six consecutive years.
She previously won the prize in 2021 and 2022, before Bonmatí claimed three successive titles from 2023 to 2025.
Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor finished second in the voting, while Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw placed third.
An international panel of journalists representing FIFA’s top 50-ranked countries determined the winner.
The award represents another major milestone in Putellas’ career, particularly following the serious anterior cruciate ligament injury she suffered in 2022, which threatened to derail her progress at the height of her career.
Outstanding season earns Putellas top honour
Putellas played a central role in Barcelona’s success last season, recording 21 goals and 13 assists across all competitions.
She scored seven goals in the Women’s Champions League as Barcelona secured their fourth European title in six seasons.
Her influence extended beyond goalscoring, with the midfielder contributing significantly to the team’s creativity and attacking transitions.
In Spain’s Liga F, which Barcelona won for the seventh consecutive season, Putellas registered seven assists and created 40 chances from open play.
She also created 89 chances across the league, Champions League, Copa de la Reina and Supercopa de España, including 19 classified as big chances.
Furthermore, she completed 965 passes that ended in the final third, highlighting her importance in Barcelona’s attacking structure.
Her Champions League performances were equally impressive, as she created 36 chances during the competition. Only Bayern Munich’s Klara Bühl matched that tally last season.
From Barcelona supporter to club legend
Born in Mollet del Vallès, near Barcelona, Putellas developed a passion for football at an early age and grew up supporting the Catalan club.
She admired former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andrés Iniesta, alongside Brazilian stars Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.
After playing for local sides and spending time at Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, she had spells with Espanyol and Levante before returning to Barcelona in 2012.
Her second spell at the club developed into a remarkable 14-year journey, during which she won 38 trophies, including 10 league titles and four European crowns.
However, her career suffered a major setback in 2022 when she sustained an ACL injury shortly before the European Championship.
Although she won her second Ballon d’Or that year, returning to her previous level of performance required time and patience.
She subsequently played a limited role in Spain’s triumphant 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign before gradually regaining her best form.
Her performances improved further in the following seasons, and she became an even more influential figure during the 2025-26 campaign, particularly when Bonmatí missed five months through injury.
Putellas also delivered a memorable international performance in June, scoring twice as Spain defeated England 4-0 to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
New chapter in England
Despite her success at Barcelona, Putellas decided to pursue a fresh challenge after her contract expired.
The midfielder attracted interest from clubs in England, Mexico and the United States before joining London City Lionesses in July.
The move marked the end of her long association with her boyhood club, with her departure proving an emotional moment for both the player and Barcelona supporters.
London City Lionesses, backed by American billionaire Michelle Kang, offered Putellas a new sporting project in the Women’s Super League.
She has already made an encouraging start to life in England, recording three goals and one assist in seven league appearances for her new club.
Her third Ballon d’Or Féminin further underlines her enduring quality and remarkable comeback from injury, cementing her status as one of the most influential players of her generation.
