Alexia Putellas has claimed her third Ballon d’Or award, capping a remarkable comeback to the summit of women’s football after a serious knee injury threatened to derail her career.
The Spain international received the prestigious honour at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the Palladium Theatre in London on Monday.
Putellas, 32, previously won the award in 2021 and 2022 while starring for Barcelona, where she established herself as one of the most influential midfielders in the women’s game.
However, her rise was interrupted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained shortly before Spain’s campaign at the 2022 European Championship, forcing her to miss the tournament.
Although she returned to action and featured in Spain’s successful 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign, Putellas initially struggled to regain her previous form, while Barcelona teammate Aitana Bonmatí emerged as the dominant figure in women’s football.
Bonmatí went on to win three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards from 2023 to 2025 before a leg fracture sidelined her, creating an opportunity for Putellas to reassert herself.
The midfielder responded with impressive performances, playing a key role in Barcelona’s Champions League triumph last season.
Speaking to AFP last month, Putellas said the injury had changed her outlook on football, making her more determined to appreciate every moment on the pitch.
“Ever since I suffered the injury, I’ve been trying to enjoy every moment as if it were my last, because you never know if it’ll happen again,” she said.
She added that her latest triumph meant even more because of the challenges she had overcome.
“I never felt that the (Ballon d’Or) trophy was ‘mine’… Having already experienced it once, I’m able to enjoy it even more now,” Putellas said.
The latest award comes as the midfielder begins a new chapter in England after leaving Barcelona to join London City Lionesses, a club owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang.
The club is seeking to establish itself among England’s elite as the only fully independent team in the Women’s Super League.
Putellas described the move as a major personal and professional transition, involving adapting to a new country, language and culture.
“It’s a complete change in my life. It’s a constant, daily learning process: the culture, the language, moving to a new country, a new city,” she said.
The midfielder explained that she wanted a fresh challenge rather than attempting to replicate her achievements at Barcelona.
She said London City Lionesses offered an opportunity to help build a new winning culture at a club still shaping its identity.
“I knew that if I ever had to end my time at Barca, it wouldn’t make much sense to repeat what I’d already experienced in the next chapter, mainly because it’s impossible.
“It had to be something completely different. It’s practically a brand-new club, with everything yet to be written, so I’m trying to bring that winning culture and mentality with me,” she added.
Her arrival has already coincided with an encouraging start for the Lionesses, who are competing near the top of the Women’s Super League table, behind Chelsea and Manchester City but ahead of established rivals Arsenal.
The move could also help Putellas prepare for Spain’s defence of the Women’s World Cup title next year, with the absence of European competition potentially allowing her to manage her workload.
Putellas said the demands of her new environment could help her maintain the level required to perform at her best.
For now, the three-time Ballon d’Or winner can celebrate her return to individual football honours while continuing to build her career in London.
