Putellas wins Ballon d'Or for the third time

Spain captain Alexia Putellas won the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or for the third time, matching the record in the award's history. The awards ceremony was held in London, and Putellas was the player who led Barcelona to the fourfold last season.

The 32-year-old scored 26 goals and provided 15 assists for club and country last season. Her Champions League title was an important part of that performance. Her transfer to London City Lionesses in July was described as one of the biggest in Women's Super League history.

Before this, no Ballon d'Or holder had played in the Women's Super League. Putellas's move has changed that. In her new team she has scored three goals and provided one assist in seven league matches.

Putellas's award drew attention because it came after her career at Barcelona had ended. Her new club is part of an investment network that aims to develop women's football. This shows that Putellas is a figure who raises the visibility of women's football in England and around the world.