Putellas wins third Women’s Ballon d’Or

Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas has won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, claiming the award for the third time at the ceremony in London on Monday.

The London City Lionesses star previously won the prestigious individual prize in 2021 and 2022, becoming a three-time winner of the award.

Putellas ended Aitana Bonmatí’s three-year run as winner of the award. Bonmatí won the Women’s Ballon d’Or in 2023, 2024 and 2025 but was not nominated for this year’s prize.

Putellas captained Barcelona during the 2025/26 season before joining London City Lionesses in the summer. She helped the Spanish club win four trophies, including the Women’s Champions League, Liga F, the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa de la Reina.

The 32-year-old also helped Spain win the Women’s Nations League, further strengthening her credentials for the award.