Alexia Putellas was once again crowned the best player in the world by winning her third Ballon d'Or at the gala held on Monday in London. The London City captain, who will remain at the English club until June 30, won the award after a season in which, although she played in England, her achievements date back to the previous campaign with FC Barcelona, where she won four important titles.
The award, which is given annually to the most outstanding female footballer, was presented to the new director of the London club, MicheleKang, and was attended by other great figures of women's football. In second position was the Polish EwaPajor, who also plays for Barcelona, while the Spanish PatriGuijarro finished fifth. Other finalists include KhadijaShaw, MelchieDumornay, CarolineGrahamHansen and ClaudiaPina, among others.
Putellas' triumph equals her former teammate AitanaBonmatí, who also has three Ballon d'Or awards (2023, 2024 and 2025). Bonmatí, who suffered a serious injury in December last year, was sidelined for most of the season and lost the chance to compete for the title. With the absence of his rival, Putellas' performance in the 2025-26 season, where he led Barcelona in winning four titles, was decisive for his selection.
FCBarcelona proudly celebrates Putellas' victory, as the club has achieved six consecutive women's Ballon d'Or awards, a record that reinforces its dominance in women's football at an international level. Although the player carries the trophy as a member of London City, her merits are due to the achievements achieved with Barça and the Spanish team, where she has demonstrated once again why she is considered one of the great leaders of the sport.
With the award in hand, Putellas consolidates herself as the second player with the most Ballon d'Ors in the history of women's football, equaling Bonmatí on three trophies each. The captain's future looks promising as she will continue to represent London City until the end of the season and will continue to be a key player in both her club and national team.