‘Believe in Yourself’: Alexia Putellas Completes Remarkable Comeback to Claim Record-Equalling Third Ballon d’Or Féminin

Barcelona, Oct 27: Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas has won the Ballon d'Or Feminin for a record-equalling third time, capping a remarkable return to the summit of women's football after overcoming a career-threatening knee injury. The 32-year-old joins compatriot Aitana Bonmati as the only players to have claimed the prestigious award three times.

Putellas' latest triumph also extends Spain's dominance in the women's Ballon d'Or, with the award remaining in Spanish hands for a sixth consecutive year. Bonmati won the honour in 2023, 2024 and 2025, while Putellas claimed back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.

The midfielder earned the latest recognition following an outstanding 2025-26 campaign with Barcelona, during which she helped the Catalan giants win four trophies, including the UEFA Women's Champions League. She played a crucial creative role for the team, particularly during Bonmati's five-month absence through injury.

Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor finished second in the voting, while Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw secured third place. The winner was selected by an international panel of journalists representing the top 50 countries in the FIFA rankings.

From Barcelona Fan to Global Football Star

Born in Mollet del Vallès, near Barcelona, Putellas developed a passion for football at a young age. She grew up supporting Barcelona and regularly attended matches at Camp Nou. Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta, along with Brazilian greats Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, were among her childhood idols.

After playing for local side CE Sabadell and spending time at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, Putellas moved through Espanyol and Levante before returning to Barcelona in 2012.

Her return marked the beginning of a remarkable 14-year spell with her childhood club. During that period, she won 38 trophies, including 10 league titles and four European crowns, establishing herself as one of the most influential players in the team's history.

Overcoming Injury to Reach the Top Again

Putellas' journey was not without setbacks. In July 2022, just before the European Championship, she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that ruled her out of the tournament.

Although she retained the Ballon d'Or later that year, regaining her best form took time. She subsequently played a supporting role in Spain's victorious 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign before gradually returning to her previous level.

Her performances improved significantly during the following seasons. She scored in the 2024 Champions League final and continued to influence Barcelona's attacking play in 2025-26. She also scored twice in Spain's 4-0 victory over England in June, helping her country secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

New Challenge With London City Lionesses

After her Barcelona contract expired, Putellas opted for a fresh challenge and joined Women's Super League side London City Lionesses in July. The club is backed by American businesswoman Michelle Kang and has ambitious plans for women's football.
Putellas has made an encouraging start to life in England, registering three goals and one assist in seven WSL appearances for her new team.

Speaking after winning the award, Putellas delivered an inspiring message to young footballers around the world, emphasising that gender and background should never stand in the way of pursuing their dreams.

"All the boys and girls around the world, if you love football and if you want to play football, play football. It doesn't matter if you're a boy or if you're a girl," she said.

"Doesn't matter where you come from. Don't listen if someone tells you, you can't do it. Believe in yourself." Her third Ballon d'Or Feminin crowns a career defined by success, resilience and an enduring connection to the game that captivated her as a child.