Alexia Putellas has once again reached the top of women’s football after winning her third Ballon d’Or award, becoming one of the most decorated players in the history of the women’s game.
The Spanish midfielder won the prestigious award in 2021 and 2022 before returning to the top in 2026, following another successful season with Barcelona.
Putellas beat Barcelona forward Ewa Pajor and Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw to the award, capping off a campaign in which she helped Barcelona win four trophies.
She now joins fellow Spain international Aitana Bonmati as the only other player to have won the women’s Ballon d’Or a record three times.
But what makes the London City Lionesses star so special, and why does the Putellas Ballon d’Or victory feel deserved?
What Makes Alexia Putellas So Special?
Putellas is not just a player who can score goals and provide assists, but someone who can influence a game in several different ways.
The 32-year-old is known for her technical ability, vision and creativity in midfield, allowing her to control the tempo of matches while creating opportunities for her teammates.
Her ability to find space, pick out passes and make the right decisions in important moments has made her one of the best midfielders in the world.
This is part of what makes the Putellas Ballon d’Or achievement so impressive, as she has continued to deliver at the highest level while helping her teams compete for the biggest trophies.
Her performances are not only about individual statistics, but also about the influence she has on the players around her.
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Putellas Ballon d’Or Success Comes After Another Outstanding Season
Putellas’ latest award follows an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Barcelona, in which she helped the Spanish side win the quadruple, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
She scored seven goals and provided seven assists in the competition, earning the Player of the Season award after playing an important role in Barcelona‘s European triumph.
The Putellas Ballon d’Or win was also supported by her achievements with Spain, having helped her country win the 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League.
She was named Player of the Finals, adding another individual honour to an already impressive collection.
These achievements show why the women’s Ballon d’Or winner remains one of the most influential players in women’s football, even as new talents continue to emerge.
The Putellas Ballon d’Or victory also recognises her ability to perform consistently across club and international football, rather than relying on one outstanding competition or a short period of good form.
Overcoming Injury To Return to the Top
One of the most impressive parts of Putellas’ career is how she has managed to return to the highest level after suffering a serious knee injury in 2022.
The midfielder tore her anterior cruciate ligament just before the European Championship, forcing her to miss the tournament and a significant period of football.
It was a difficult setback for a player who had just won her second consecutive Ballon d’Or, but she gradually worked her way back into the Barcelona side.
Although returning to her best form took time, Putellas continued to prove her quality and eventually became a key figure in Barcelona’s success again.
That makes the Putellas Ballon d’Or achievement even more special, as it reflects the determination required to recover from a career-threatening injury and compete with the world’s best players once more.
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Extra Time Notes
Putellas’ third Ballon d’Or comes at an interesting point in her career, having left Barcelona to join London City Lionesses ahead of the 2026/27 season.
After spending 14 years at Barcelona, where she became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, the Spanish international has taken on a new challenge in the Women’s Super League.
Her arrival is a major statement for London City Lionesses, who have secured one of the most recognisable names in women’s football.
The Putellas Ballon d’Or success could also bring more attention to the Women’s Super League, with fans now having another reason to follow her performances in England.
Ultimately, Putellas has shown that her quality, leadership and determination can keep her competing at the highest level.
Winning three women’s Ballon d’Or awards is a remarkable achievement, but what makes her so special is the journey behind them.
From dominating with Barcelona to overcoming a serious injury and now taking on a new challenge in England, Putellas continues to prove why she belongs among the greatest players the women’s game has ever seen.
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