Alexia Putellas has reclaimed her place at the summit of women's football after winning the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or for the third time in her illustrious career. The Spanish midfielder received the prestigious award on October 26, 2026, following a sensational 2025-26 campaign in which she captained Barcelona to a historic quadruple.
Putellas previously won the Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2021 and 2022, establishing herself as one of the finest players of her generation. Her latest triumph represents a remarkable comeback after a serious knee injury threatened to derail her career and makes her a three-time winner alongside compatriot Aitana Bonmatí.
Now playing for London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona, Putellas has added another memorable chapter to her remarkable football journey.
Who Is Alexia Putellas? Early Life and Football Career
Born on February 4, 1994, in Mollet del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain, Alexia Putellas Segura developed a passion for football at an early age. Growing up near Barcelona, she became a supporter of the Catalan club and admired legendary players such as Andrés Iniesta, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.
Putellas began her football journey with local clubs before progressing through Espanyol and Levante. She joined Barcelona in 2012, aged 18, marking the beginning of a remarkable 14-year association with her childhood club.
Primarily operating as an attacking midfielder, Putellas quickly became renowned for her technical ability, intelligent movement, exceptional passing and left-footed finishing. Her versatility also allowed her to contribute in wider attacking positions.
Over time, she became Barcelona's captain and one of the most influential figures in the development of the women's game, helping the club establish itself as a dominant force in Spain and Europe.
Alexia Putellas' 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or: Why Did She Win?
Putellas' outstanding performances during the 2025-26 season were central to her third Ballon d'Or victory. Barcelona enjoyed a remarkable campaign, winning four trophies, including the UEFA Women's Champions League and Liga F.
According to UEFA, Putellas scored seven goals and provided seven assists in Barcelona's successful Champions League campaign. Her performances earned her the competition's Player of the Season award, underlining her influence on the European stage.
Across all competitions, she recorded 21 goals and 13 assists, demonstrating that her attacking contribution extends well beyond creating opportunities for teammates.
Her creativity was particularly important as Barcelona navigated a season in which Bonmatí spent a significant period sidelined with injury. Putellas stepped up to shoulder more responsibility, providing goals, assists and leadership when her team needed them most.
She finished ahead of Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor, who placed second, and Manchester City's Khadija Shaw, who finished third, in the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or rankings.
Alexia Putellas' Injury Comeback and Road to Redemption
Putellas' latest achievement is especially significant because of the obstacles she has overcome. In July 2022, shortly before the UEFA Women's Euro, she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that ruled her out of the tournament and kept her away from competitive football for several months.
Although she returned in 2023, regaining her previous level took time. Spain subsequently won the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, but Putellas played a limited role in the tournament as Bonmatí emerged as one of the team's leading stars.
Meanwhile, Bonmatí won three consecutive Women's Ballon d'Or awards from 2023 to 2025, succeeding Putellas as the dominant individual force in women's football.
Rather than allowing the setback to define her career, Putellas gradually rebuilt her form. Her decisive performances in Barcelona's subsequent European campaigns demonstrated her enduring quality, culminating in the extraordinary 2025-26 season that brought her third Ballon d'Or.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience, patience and determination required to return to the highest level after a career-threatening injury.
Alexia Putellas' Barcelona Legacy and Move to England
Putellas left Barcelona with an extraordinary legacy. During her time at the club between 2012 and 2026, she made 508 appearances and scored 232 goals, becoming Barcelona Femení's all-time leading goalscorer when she departed.
Her trophy collection includes four UEFA Women's Champions League titles, ten Liga F championships and ten Copa de la Reina trophies. She also helped Spain win the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, adding international success to her remarkable club career.
In July 2026, Putellas began a new chapter by joining London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League. The move marked the end of her 14-year spell at Barcelona and offered her a fresh challenge in English football.
Despite changing clubs, she has continued to demonstrate her quality, recording three goals and one assist in her first seven league appearances for London City Lionesses.
What Makes Alexia Putellas Special?
Putellas combines technical excellence with creativity, composure and leadership. Her ability to control midfield, deliver incisive passes and contribute goals makes her an influential presence in both possession-based football and attacking transitions.
Beyond her performances, she has become an important advocate for gender equality and greater opportunities for girls in football. Her success has inspired young players worldwide and helped increase the visibility of women's football.
Conclusion
Alexia Putellas winning the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or is a fitting reward for her remarkable resurgence. From consecutive victories in 2021 and 2022 to overcoming a devastating injury and returning to the top in 2026, her journey reflects extraordinary determination.
With three Ballon d'Or titles, multiple European trophies and a new challenge in England, Putellas has cemented her status as one of the greatest players in women's football history. Her latest achievement is not simply another individual honour; it is a testament to her enduring class, resilience and influence on the sport.
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