Alexia Putellas has won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, capping a remarkable return to the top of women’s football after helping Barcelona enjoy another trophy-filled campaign.
The Spain international, now playing for London City Lionesses, claimed the award on Monday ahead of former Barcelona teammate Ewa Pajor and Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw. The victory adds another milestone to Putellas’ career and makes her only the second woman to win the prestigious individual honor three times.
Putellas previously received the award in 2021 and 2022. Aitana Bonmatí, who won it in 2023, 2024 and 2025, remains the only other three-time winner.
Accepting the award, Putellas delivered an encouraging message to young footballers around the world.
“All the boys and girls around the world -- if you love football and if you want to play football, play football,” Putellas said. “It doesn't matter if you're a boy or if you're a girl. It doesn't matter where you come from.
“Don't listen if someone tells you, you can't do it. Believe in yourself.”
Putellas Leads Barcelona to Another European Triumph
Putellas was instrumental in Barcelona’s success during the 2025-26 season, producing influential performances as the Spanish club captured the Women’s Champions League for the fourth time.
She recorded eight goals and seven assists in 11 appearances in the competition, helping Barcelona establish themselves as European champions once again.
The midfielder also played a central role as Barcelona completed a historic quadruple for the second time in the club’s history. Alongside the Champions League, the team secured the Liga F title, the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Supercopa.
Her individual performances and contribution to Barcelona’s trophy haul made her a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or.
Putellas’ achievement is particularly significant given the challenges she faced following a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2022. The injury disrupted her momentum and limited her involvement over the following seasons, with just 33 appearances across the next two campaigns.
Rather than allowing the setback to define her career, she gradually regained her place in Barcelona’s starting lineup and returned to the level that had previously established her among the world’s elite players.
Surprise Move to London City Lionesses
After 14 years at Barcelona, Putellas made a surprising career decision by leaving the Spanish giants last summer to join London City Lionesses.
The move marked a new chapter for the midfielder, who had spent much of her professional career at one of Europe’s most successful women’s clubs.
Her Ballon d’Or triumph also represents a landmark for the Women’s Super League. Putellas becomes the first active WSL player to win the award, adding international recognition to England’s growing presence in elite women’s football.
Since the women’s Ballon d’Or was introduced in 2018, the honor has also gone to Ada Hegerberg and Megan Rapinoe, alongside the sustained success of Putellas and Bonmatí.
Pajor and Shaw Complete the Podium
Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor finished among the leading contenders after producing an outstanding scoring season.
The Poland international finished as the Champions League’s top scorer with 11 goals and ended the campaign with 31 goals across all competitions. Her contribution was a major part of Barcelona’s European success and helped secure her place among the finalists.
Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw also enjoyed a productive season. The Jamaica international scored 27 goals in 32 appearances as City won both the Women’s Super League and the FA Cup.
Despite their impressive campaigns, neither player could prevent Putellas from claiming the top prize.
Last year’s winner, Bonmatí, was not nominated after missing most of the season with a broken leg, ending her run of three consecutive Ballon d’Or victories.
Barcelona Sweep Several Women’s Awards
Putellas’ success was part of a wider night of recognition for Barcelona, whose players and coaching staff collected several major women’s football honors.
Vicky López won the Women’s Young Talent of the Year award for the second consecutive year. The Barcelona youngster faced competition from teammate Clara Serrajordi, Felicia Schröder, Lily Yohannes and Veerfe Buurman.
Barcelona head coach Pere Romeu was named Women’s Coach of the Year, while goalkeeper Cata Coll received the Goalkeeper of the Year award.
The Barcelona women’s team also collected the Women’s Club of the Year honor, reflecting the club’s achievements across domestic and European competitions.
However, the Women’s Striker of the Year award went elsewhere. Charlyn Corral, who represents CF Pachuca and Mexico, claimed the prize after her own impressive performances.
A Career Milestone for Putellas
Putellas’ third Ballon d’Or adds another achievement to a career defined by technical quality, leadership and resilience.
Her return to the top after a serious injury, followed by a decisive role in Barcelona’s European triumph, provided a compelling story behind this year’s award.
The move to London City Lionesses has already marked a major change in her career, but the individual recognition reinforces her status among the leading figures in women’s football.
For Barcelona, the awards night offered further confirmation of the strength of the team that dominated the previous campaign. For Putellas, it was an opportunity to celebrate both personal recovery and collective success while encouraging the next generation to pursue the game regardless of background or gender.
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