Alexia Putellas wins third Ballon d'Or after standout Barcelona season
Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d'Or for the third time on Monday in London, capping a standout season with FC Barcelona. The Spanish midfielder received the award at the France Football gala, succeeding compatriot Aitana Bonmati. Putellas, who moved to London City Lionesses in summer 2026, won four trophies with Barcelona last season, including the Champions League. She scored seven goals and provided seven assists in eleven Champions League matches, earning UEFA's Player of the Season award. Putellas previously won the award in 2021 and 2022, before a knee ligament injury in July 2022 sidelined her for months. She spent 14 years at Barcelona, scoring 232 goals and winning four Champions League titles.