Casablanca – Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas has won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or at Monday’s ceremony in London, claiming the award for the third time in her career after previous victories in 2021 and 2022.
The 32-year-old becomes only the second player to win three Women’s Ballon d’Or trophies, equalling the record held by compatriot Aitana Bonmati, who claimed the award in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Putellas received the recognition following an outstanding 2025–26 campaign with Barcelona, where she helped the Catalan club secure four trophies: Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, the Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Her performances in Europe were particularly impressive. The midfielder recorded seven goals and seven assists in 11 Champions League appearances, finishing the competition with more goal contributions than any other player.
She was subsequently named UEFA Women’s Champions League Player of the Season after Barcelona defeated OL Lyonnes 4-0 in the final in Oslo, securing their fourth European title.
The triumph marked the end of Putellas’ 14-year career with Barcelona, having established herself among the club’s most successful players.
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She departed as Barcelona Fémeni’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 232 goals in 508 appearances, and had accumulated 38 trophies during her time with the club.
In July, Putellas completed a free transfer to London City Lionesses, signing a three-year contract with the Women’s Super League side.
Her move to England marked a significant change in her career after spending much of her professional life with Barcelona, whom she joined in 2012.
The latest Ballon d’Or also marks another achievement in Putellas’ return to the top following the serious knee injury she suffered in July 2022, which kept her out of action for several months.
She recovered in time to represent Spain at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where the national team won its first world title.
This year’s victory ends Bonmati’s three-year run as the award’s winner. The Barcelona midfielder was absent from the 2026 shortlist after an injury-disrupted campaign.
Putellas’ triumph was part of another successful Ballon d’Or ceremony for Barcelona, who were named Women’s Club of the Year, while goalkeeper Cata Coll received the Women’s Yashin Trophy and Pere Romeu won the Women’s Coach of the Year award.
