Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas has claimed the Ballon d’Or Feminin for a record-equalling third time, maintaining Spain’s stronghold on the prestigious individual prize for a sixth consecutive year. The 32-year-old playmaker captained Barcelona to a remarkable quadruple during the 2025-26 campaign, securing four major trophies before completing a high-profile transfer to Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses in July.
Putellas now sits alongside international teammate Aitana Bonmati with three Ballon d’Or Feminin crowns. Bonmati secured the award consecutively in 2023, 2024, and 2025, following Putellas’ back-to-back triumphs in 2021 and 2022. The recent dominance by the Spanish duo highlights the extraordinary depth of talent in Spanish women’s football on the global stage.
Season Statistics and Champions League Glory
- Trophy Haul: Secured four major trophies with Barcelona last season, culminating in a fourth Champions League title in six years.
- Goalscoring Record: Netted 21 goals and provided 13 assists across all competitions, including seven goals in the European campaign.
- Playmaking Prowess: Created 89 total chances and completed more final-third passes than any other player in Liga F and the Champions League.
- International Success: Scored twice in a 4-0 win over England in June to help secure Spain’s qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
Overcoming Adversity and New Beginnings
The latest accolade marks a triumphant return to the absolute pinnacle of world football for Putellas, who suffered a career-threatening anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on the eve of the European Championship in 2022. Despite battling back through a lengthy rehabilitation process and playing a supportive role during Spain’s 2023 World Cup campaign, she elevated her game to new heights last season. When teammate Aitana Bonmati was sidelined for five months due to injury, Putellas shouldered Barcelona’s creative burden brilliantly.
Having concluded her illustrious 14-year career with her childhood club Barcelona—where she accumulated 38 trophies, including 10 league titles and four European cups—Putellas sought a fresh chapter in her career. Rejecting other offers, she opted for an ambitious new project at London City Lionesses under American owner Michelle Kang. Having already notched three goals and one assist in her opening seven Women’s Super League appearances, the midfielder nicknamed ‘La Reina’ continues to demonstrate why she remains an undisputed icon of the women’s game.
Keep browsing Sporting Avenue to get more interesting news from the world of sports. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get the notifications instantly.
