Alexia Putellas has reclaimed her place at the top of women’s football after winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin at the awards ceremony in London on Monday, October 26.
The Spanish midfielder secured the prestigious individual honour for the third time in her career, having previously won it in 2021 and 2022. Her latest triumph represents another major milestone following a remarkable return to her best form after overcoming a serious knee injury that threatened to derail her career.
Putellas enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Barcelona, helping the Spanish giants secure a historic treble before departing the club in July to join English Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses.
Her latest achievement further strengthens her legacy as one of the greatest players of her generation and places her alongside fellow Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, who also has three Ballon d’Or Féminin titles.
Alexia Putellas Wins Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Putellas received the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin after an outstanding season in which she demonstrated her creativity, leadership and ability to influence important matches.
The award recognises the best-performing female footballer over the assessment period, taking individual performances, team achievements and overall influence on the game into consideration.
Her first two victories came in 2021 and 2022, when she established herself as one of the dominant figures in women’s football through her performances for Barcelona and Spain.
However, her latest triumph carries a different significance because it follows years of challenges, including a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in 2022.
That injury forced her to endure a lengthy rehabilitation process and miss important footballing occasions. Returning to the highest level required patience, determination and a sustained commitment to recovery.
Her 2026 victory is therefore not simply another individual award. It represents the culmination of a difficult journey back to the top of the sport.
Barcelona’s Treble Success Strengthened Her Case
Putellas played an important role in Barcelona’s successful 2025/26 campaign, during which the women’s team won the treble.
Barcelona’s achievements included the Spanish league title and the UEFA Women’s Champions League, reinforcing the club’s position among the leading teams in women’s football.
The team also produced an impressive performance in the Champions League final, defeating OL Lyonnes 4-0 to lift the European trophy.
Putellas contributed significantly throughout the campaign, using her passing ability, movement and tactical intelligence to help Barcelona control matches and create scoring opportunities.
Although she operates primarily in midfield, her influence extends into the attacking third. She can dictate the tempo of a game, deliver decisive passes and arrive in dangerous positions to contribute goals.
Her ability to combine technical quality with leadership has made her an important figure for Barcelona over several seasons.
The club’s success also strengthened her individual credentials, demonstrating how her performances contributed to achievements at the highest level of European football.
From Serious Injury to Individual Glory
One of the most remarkable aspects of Putellas’s career is her recovery from a serious knee injury.
In June 2022, shortly before the European Championship, the midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept her out of action for an extended period.
The setback came at a difficult moment in her career. She had just won her second consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin and was widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.
Her rehabilitation required months of hard work before she could return to competitive football.
Coming back from such an injury can be particularly challenging for a player whose game depends on quick changes of direction, movement in tight spaces and the ability to accelerate away from opponents.
Putellas gradually worked her way back into Barcelona’s squad, rebuilding her match fitness and regaining confidence.
Her return to outstanding form during the 2025/26 campaign demonstrated her resilience and determination.
Winning another Ballon d’Or after that journey gives her latest achievement an emotional dimension that goes beyond statistics and trophies.
Alexia Putellas Begins a New Chapter in England
Despite her success with Barcelona, Putellas entered a new phase of her career in July 2026 when she joined London City Lionesses.
The move brought an end to a remarkable period with the Spanish club, where she had established herself as one of the most influential players in the women’s team.
Her arrival in England represents an important development for the Women’s Super League, which continues to attract leading international players.
Putellas brings considerable experience, technical ability and a winning mentality to her new club.
Her understanding of the game could prove valuable as London City Lionesses seek to establish themselves among England’s leading women’s teams.
The timing of her Ballon d’Or victory also makes the achievement particularly memorable. She has received the highest individual honour in women’s football after leaving the club where she built much of her reputation.
Putellas Joins an Elite Group of Ballon d’Or Winners
Winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin three times places Putellas among the most successful players in the award’s history.
Her victories in 2021, 2022 and 2026 reflect her ability to remain competitive across different stages of her career.
She also joins Aitana Bonmatí in the three-time winners’ group, highlighting the continued influence of Spanish football on the women’s game.
The success of Barcelona and Spain has played an important role in that dominance, with their players consistently competing for major individual honours.
Her latest award will also increase interest in her new chapter with London City Lionesses, where supporters will be eager to see how she performs in English football.
