Alexia Putellas Wins Record-Equalling Third Ballon d'Or Feminin
The Spanish midfielder earned her third career award following a stellar 2025-26 season with Barcelona and a move to London City Lionesses.
Alexia Putellas has been awarded the Ballon d'Or Feminin for a record-equalling third time, cementing her status as one of football's elite players. The Spanish midfielder's performances during the 2025-26 season, a period marked by both continued success with Barcelona and a significant career transition, earned her the prestigious individual accolade.
During the 2025-26 campaign, Putellas was instrumental for Barcelona, scoring seven goals in the Women's Champions League as the club secured their fourth continental title in six seasons. Across all competitions, she registered 21 goals and 13 assists, placing her among the top performers in Europe's top five leagues. Her contributions extended beyond scoring, as she led Liga F in chances created (89) and passes completed in the final third (965).
Nicknamed 'La Reina' (the queen), Putellas' journey in football began in her hometown near Barcelona. She developed her skills playing in the street before joining Barcelona's famed youth academy, La Masia. After spells at Espanyol and Levante, she returned to Barcelona in 2012, embarking on a 14-year career that saw her win 38 trophies.
A significant setback occurred when she suffered an ACL injury just before Euro 2022, sidelining her for a crucial period. Although she still won the Ballon d'Or in 2022, her return to peak form was gradual. She played a limited role in Spain's 2023 World Cup victory and faced challenges when Aitana Bonmati was injured for five months of the 2025-26 season. Despite these challenges, Putellas helped Barcelona achieve a quadruple that season. Furthermore, she scored twice in a decisive 4-0 victory against England, securing Spain's qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
In July, Putellas made the difficult decision to leave her childhood club as her contract expired. She sought a new challenge and accepted an offer from the ambitious London City Lionesses, owned by US billionaire Michelle Kang. Despite her move to England, Putellas has continued to demonstrate her enduring talent, with three goals and one assist in seven Women's Super League games for her new club.