Alexia Putellas Wins Third Ballon d'Or Feminin, Equaling Record

OPA WIRE, Oct 26 (OPA) — Alexia Putellas, 32, claimed the prestigious trophy following a vote by an international panel of journalists representing FIFA’s top-50 ranked nations. The midfielder outperformed Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor and Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw to secure the title. Her victory marks the sixth consecutive year a Spanish player has claimed the award, cementing Spain’s dominance in the women’s game.

Putellas recorded 21 goals and 13 assists across all competitions during the 2025-26 campaign. Her statistical output included 89 chances created and 965 successful passes in the final third, leading all players in Liga F and the Champions League. During her acceptance, Putellas encouraged young athletes to pursue their ambitions regardless of gender or background, emphasizing personal belief as a driver for success.

This accolade follows a challenging period for the midfielder, who endured a career-threatening ACL injury in 2022. After returning to form, she anchored Barcelona’s midfield during a season where they secured a fourth continental title in six years. Her performance in a 4-0 victory over England in June, which secured Spain’s 2027 World Cup qualification, proved decisive in maintaining her status among the world’s elite players.

Following the expiration of her contract at Barcelona, Putellas joined the London City Lionesses in July, a club backed by U.S. investor Michelle Kang. She has already registered three goals and one assist in seven Women’s Super League appearances. The move represents a new chapter for the player who spent 14 years at her childhood club, winning 38 trophies including 10 league titles and four European cups.