Alexia Putellas wins third Women's Ballon d'Or after outstanding season

Spanish football star Alexia Putellas has won the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or, claiming the prestigious individual award for the third time in her career after an exceptional season with Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

The 32-year-old midfielder received the award during a ceremony held in London on Monday, October 26, adding to her previous victories in 2021 and 2022, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Her latest triumph sees her equal the record of three Women's Ballon d'Or titles held by former Barcelona teammate Aitana Bonmatí, who won the award in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Putellas was recognized for her outstanding performances during the 2025–26 season, when she captained Barcelona to four major trophies: the UEFA Women's Champions League, the Spanish league title, the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Super Cup.

She played a crucial role in Barcelona's European success, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists throughout the Champions League campaign.

Her performances earned her the UEFA Women's Champions League Player of the Season award, further strengthening her reputation as one of the world's leading midfielders.

Putellas was also instrumental in Spain's success on the international stage, helping the national team win the 2025 UEFA Women's Nations League.

Her contributions in the tournament earned her the Player of the Finals award.

The latest Ballon d'Or victory represents a remarkable comeback for Putellas, whose career was seriously disrupted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2022.

After a lengthy recovery, she gradually returned to her best form, helping Barcelona and Spain achieve further success.

Following 14 years at Barcelona, Putellas joined English Women's Super League club London City Lionesses in July 2026, bringing an end to a highly successful chapter of her career.

During her time with Barcelona, she won 38 trophies, establishing herself as one of the most decorated players in the club's history.

Putellas finished ahead of Poland's Ewa Pajor and Jamaica's Khadija Shaw in the 2026 Ballon d'Or voting.

Her victory also extended Spain's dominance of the Women's Ballon d'Or, with Spanish players winning the award for six consecutive years.

The achievement places Putellas alongside Bonmatí as the joint most successful players in the history of the women's award, which was introduced in 2018.

Photo: Chat GPT