Alexia Putellas Wins Third Ballon d'Or Feminin
The veteran midfielder claims her third title, matching a record held by Aitana Bonmati.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Soccer
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In October 2026, Alexia Putellas secured her third Ballon d'Or Feminin, joining Aitana Bonmati as the most successful recipient of the prestigious award. The veteran midfielder earned the honor following a dominant performance with FC Barcelona during the 2025-26 season.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the consistency of Spanish talent on the global stage, marking six consecutive years that a Spanish player has held the title. Putellas secured the award through votes from an international panel of journalists representing FIFA's top 50 ranked countries.
During the 2025-26 season, Putellas scored 21 goals and provided 13 assists, while creating 89 total chances across four competitions. She also completed 965 passes into the attacking third while captaining FC Barcelona to four trophies.
The players
Alexia Putellas
A veteran midfielder who has established herself as one of the most decorated players in women's football history.
Aitana Bonmati
An elite Spanish footballer who shares the record for the most Ballon d'Or Feminin wins with Putellas.
FC Barcelona
A premier professional sports club that has secured seven consecutive league titles.
London City Lionesses
A professional women's football club based in London where Putellas transferred in 2026.
Ewa Pajor
A top-tier professional footballer who finished as the runner-up in the 2026 voting.
The details
Putellas led FC Barcelona to a successful season, contributing to a total of 38 trophies collected during her tenure at the club before her transfer to the London City Lionesses in July 2026. Ewa Pajor finished second in the voting, with Khadija Shaw placing third.
Timeline
2021: Putellas first won the Ballon d'Or Feminin.
2022: Putellas won the Ballon d'Or Feminin and suffered an ACL injury.
2023-2025: Bonmati claimed three consecutive Ballon d'Or awards.
2025-26: Putellas captained FC Barcelona to four trophies.
July 2026: Putellas joined London City Lionesses.
Season Trajectory
This win solidifies Spain's six-year dominance in the sport's highest individual honor, mirroring the consistent success seen at the club level with Barcelona. The award reflects the ongoing shift in global influence as elite players like Putellas seek new challenges in leagues outside of the Spanish domestic system.
As Putellas moves into her tenure with the London City Lionesses, observers will track whether her playmaking volume, evidenced by 965 passes into the attacking third, transitions effectively to the English league style. Fantasy and tactical analysts are now adjusting their valuations of the London City midfield to account for this addition.
The takeaway
The record-breaking third win for Putellas underscores the importance of sustained elite performance over multiple calendar years. Fans of the sport can look for her impact on the London City Lionesses as a key metric for how top international talent elevates new squads.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of international football, see the latest updates in Soccer.
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