Alexia Putellas Matches Record with Third Ballon d'Or Feminin After Stellar Season
Alexia Putellas, recently signed by London City Lionesses, has secured her third Ballon d'Or Feminin, tying the record alongside teammate Aitana Bonmati. Her award caps off a remarkable season filled with success at Barcelona and with the Spanish national team.
Spanish Football's Reign at the Top
The midfielder, often called "La Reina," claimed the 2026 Ballon d'Or Feminin, continuing Spain's dominance as the trophy stays in Spanish hands for six consecutive years. Both Putellas and Bonmati have won all of these honors between them since 2021.
This time, the award came after a worldwide vote involving journalists from FIFA's top 50 nations. Putellas outperformed former Barcelona colleague Ewa Pajor, who ranked second, while Manchester City's forward Khadija Shaw took third place. The win is especially meaningful given Putellas’ comeback from a severe ACL injury before the 2022 European Championships.
An Emotional Acceptance
"We lived incredible moments as a team, we overcame certain difficulties in the form of injuries. It was a pride to be captain of all of you," Putellas said during her acceptance speech.
She also thanked her close circle for their support during recovery: "It is a trophy for my work, but also for those people—family, mother, sister, friends, and my entire off-field team. I remember when my leg failed, the knee pain, learning to walk and run again, and when doubts were strongest, you were there."
Outstanding Stats Fueling a Quadruple Triumph
Putellas' award-winning season featured 21 goals and 13 assists across competitions. With Barcelona winning a historic quadruple, she stepped up amid Bonmati's five-month absence. She led all major European leagues in passes into the final third and chance creation.
- Champions League: 7 goals scored
- Shot-involved sequences: 151, leading to shots on goal
Only forwards like Ewa Pajor and Alessia Russo outscored her in Europe’s top club competition. Despite her veteran status, Putellas remains central in dictating play.
New Chapter in England
In summer 2026, Putellas moved to the Women’s Super League, joining London City Lionesses, backed by billionaire Michelle Kang. Even with the change, she impressed early with three goals and one assist in seven matches, maintaining her high standards on English soil.
Message to Future Players
"All the boys and girls around the world - if you love football and want to play, play. It doesn't matter if you're a boy or a girl or where you come from. Don’t listen if someone says you can’t do it. Believe in yourself," Putellas urged young players globally.
