Alexia Putellas wins Ballon d’Or Feminin 2026 — Spanish talisman clinches third title

Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or in 2021 and 2022 before reclaiming the title in 2026. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Barcelona and Spanish striker Alexia Putellas reclaimed her crown when she won the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin at the Palladium Theatre in London, England, on Monday.

It was the third Ballon d’Or for Putellas, having won the trophy in 2021 and 2022. The 32-year-old has had a fantastic year with FC Barcelona, winning the Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de España and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Spain continued its domination with her in the midfield, winning the UEFA Nations League and finishing runner-up in the UEFA Women’s Championship.

“It’s such an amazing award. I am delighted to be here, and I am very happy,” Putellas said on arriving for the award ceremony.

The award is also more iconic because it was given in London, where Putellas currently plays. Having won 36 trophies at Barcelona, she left the Spanish club as its most decorated women’s player to join Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses this summer.

Putellas became the joint-most successful player to win the women’s Ballon d’Or, tied with her national teammate Aitana Bonmati, who had completed a hat-trick of the titles last year.