Alexia Putellas has won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, reclaiming the award four years after her previous success and ending Aitana Bonmati’s three-year spell as its holder.
The Spain international was honoured at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium, returning to the top of the women’s game after previously winning in 2021 and 2022.
Putellas is now a three-time winner of the prize, joining a select group of players to have claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or on more than one occasion since its introduction in 2018.
Her victory makes her the second player to win the award three times. She succeeds Bonmati, who had taken the honour in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The midfielder’s latest achievement adds another significant chapter to a career marked by major individual recognition, success with Barcelona and a return from serious injury.
Putellas established herself as one of the leading figures in Barcelona’s dominant era in women’s football. She became captain of the club and played a central role in its domestic and European achievements.
Her progress was interrupted in 2022 when she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury. After completing her recovery, she returned to elite competition and strengthened her standing as one of the outstanding midfielders of her generation.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or was first awarded in 2018, when Norway’s Ada Hegerberg became the inaugural winner.
Putellas’ success adds to Spain’s strong record in the competition and continues a period of sustained dominance by players from Barcelona.
