Alexia Putellas wins Women’s Ballon d’Or 2026

Alexia Putellas has won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, securing the award for a third time after returning to the top of women’s football following a career-disrupting knee injury.

The Spain midfielder received the honour at Monday’s ceremony at the Palladium Theatre in London, adding to the awards she won in 2021 and 2022 while starring for Barcelona.

Her latest triumph follows a season in which she helped Barcelona reclaim the Women’s Champions League, strengthening her case after several years in which injuries and the rise of teammate Aitana Bonmatí had limited her individual recognition.

Putellas has since begun a new chapter with London City Lionesses, leaving Barcelona after years at the centre of the Catalan club’s success.

From injury setback to football’s biggest individual honour

Putellas’ earlier Ballon d’Or victories established her as one of the leading figures in the women’s game. However, an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in 2022 disrupted her momentum just before Spain’s campaign at the European Championship.

Her recovery allowed her to return to action, but rebuilding her form took time. Spain’s subsequent World Cup triumph brought international success, although Putellas played a supporting role as Bonmatí emerged as one of the sport’s defining players.

Bonmatí won three consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or awards from 2023 to 2025, while Putellas worked to regain her influence for club and country.

The 2026 award marks a significant change in that narrative, recognising her return to the top after a prolonged period of recovery and adjustment.

In an interview with AFP, Putellas reflected on how the injury had changed her outlook.

“Ever since I suffered the injury, I’ve been trying to enjoy every moment as if it were my last,” she said, acknowledging the uncertainty that can accompany a serious setback.

Barcelona’s Champions League success

Putellas’ campaign was closely linked to Barcelona’s return to European success. The midfielder helped the club regain the Champions League, providing another major achievement in a period marked by domestic dominance and repeated challenges for continental honours.

Her contribution strengthened her standing among the game’s elite players and helped underline the value of her experience and leadership.

Despite her previous successes, Putellas said she did not consider the Ballon d’Or an award that belonged to her automatically. Having won it twice before, she explained that she was able to appreciate the latest recognition even more.

A new chapter with London City Lionesses

After years with Barcelona, Putellas moved to London City Lionesses, an ambitious club owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang. The move represents a substantial change for the 32-year-old, who is adapting to a new country, language and football environment.

London City Lionesses are seeking to establish themselves among England’s leading teams as an independently owned club competing in the Women’s Super League.

Putellas said she wanted her next move to offer a different challenge rather than attempt to recreate the experiences she had already enjoyed in Catalonia.

She also hopes to bring the winning mentality developed at Barcelona to her new team as it builds its identity and ambitions.

Looking ahead to Spain’s next challenge

The move to England could also influence Putellas’ preparations for Spain’s next major international campaign.

Without European club competition on her schedule this season, her workload may be different from what she experienced at Barcelona. Putellas has indicated that her priority remains performing consistently day by day while adapting to her new surroundings.

For now, the third Women’s Ballon d’Or provides a landmark moment in a career that has included remarkable success, a serious injury and a return to the highest level.

Her move to London offers a fresh challenge, but the latest award confirms that Putellas remains one of the most influential figures in women’s football.

SportsLigue