Alexia Putellas wins Women’s Ballon d’Or for third time

Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time on Monday night in London, breaking a three-year run by compatriot Aitana Bonmati. The 32-year-old London City Lionesses forward captained Barcelona to a historic quadruple last season, including a third Champions League title in four years and a seventh consecutive Liga F crown. She scored 21 goals and added 13 assists, plus six international goals for Spain. Putellas, who previously won in 2021 and 2022, thanked her teammates and urged young players to pursue their dreams. Spain led the shortlist with six nominees, while England’s Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood were the only English players included.