Barcelona’s historic quadruple-winning campaign has earned Alexia Putellas another place in football history, with the Spanish midfielder winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin for a record-equalling third time at the ceremony held at the London Palladium on October 26. The 32-year-old reclaimed the prestigious individual honour after leading Barcelona to four major trophies before beginning a new chapter with England’s London City Lionesses.
Putellas, who previously won the award in 2021 and 2022, now shares the record for the most Ballon d’Or Féminin titles with her Spanish teammate Aitana Bonmatí, who claimed the honour three consecutive times from 2023 to 2025. Her latest victory also extends Spain’s remarkable run in the women’s category, with Spanish players winning the award for six consecutive editions. Putellas’ third Ballon d’Or triumph reflects a season in which individual brilliance and collective success went hand in hand.
As captain, she helped Barcelona secure the Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de España and UEFA Women’s Champions League titles during the 2025-26 campaign. Her influence was particularly evident in Europe. According to UEFA, Putellas scored seven goals and provided seven assists in Barcelona’s victorious Women’s Champions League campaign, earning the competition’s Player of the Season award. Her performances helped Barcelona reinforce its position among the leading forces in women’s club football.
The Spanish midfielder finished ahead of Barcelona teammate Ewa Pajor, who placed second, and Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw, who finished third, in the final Ballon d’Or Féminin rankings. The award is another milestone in a career shaped by technical quality, leadership and resilience. Putellas has been central to Barcelona’s rise in European football and has also enjoyed considerable success with Spain, including winning the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League.
Her journey back to the top has been especially significant following the anterior cruciate ligament injury she suffered in 2022, which ruled her out of the UEFA Women’s EURO that year. Her subsequent return to elite competition underlined her ability to overcome a major setback and continue performing at the highest level. Beyond the individual recognition, Putellas used her acceptance speech to acknowledge her teammates and highlight the importance of equal opportunities in football. As Barcelona captain, she credited the collective effort behind the club’s achievements, recognising the challenges the squad had overcome throughout the season.
“I want to start by saying thank you teammates. I think anyone here could have fairly won this trophy and be giving this speech here right now. A great pleasure to play alongside each and every single one of you. Incredible experiences as a team, we overcome some difficulties, some injuries, some moments we weren’t expecting as a team and a great pride for me as captain,” Putellas said. She also addressed young footballers around the world, delivering a message that extended beyond the boundaries of the sport.
“All the boys and girls around the world – if you love football and if you want to play football, play football. 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.” Her words reinforced the importance of accessibility and representation in women’s football, where the achievements of established stars continue to inspire younger generations to pursue professional careers.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin victory comes during a significant transition in Putellas’ career. After spending 14 years at Barcelona, the midfielder joined London City Lionesses in July 2026, bringing her experience and winning pedigree to the Women’s Super League. The move represents a new challenge for the Spanish international, who leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at Barcelona. Her arrival has also brought considerable attention to London City Lionesses, an ambitious club seeking to establish itself among the leading teams in English women’s football.
Winning the award in London adds another dimension to the occasion. The ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, which was first awarded in 1956. The event was held in the English capital for the first time, with the women’s and men’s awards presented as part of the landmark edition.
Putellas’ third Ballon d’Or Féminin is not merely a personal milestone. It highlights Barcelona’s continued influence on women’s football, Spain’s sustained excellence at the international level and the growing global profile of the women’s game. Her achievement also carries significance as she begins a new chapter in England. Having reached the summit of European club football with Barcelona, Putellas now brings her experience to a different league, where her performances will be closely followed.
Most importantly, her message to aspiring footballers underlines the wider impact of her success. At 32, Putellas has added another major individual honour to an already decorated career, while reminding the next generation that talent, belief and opportunity should determine how far a player can go. With three Ballon d’Or Féminin titles, the Spanish captain has now drawn level with Bonmatí. Her latest triumph further strengthens her standing among the defining players of modern women’s football.
