Alexia Putellas did it again in 2026, as the London City star won a third Ballon d’Or on Monday — tying Spain teammate Aitana Bonmatí for the women’s career record.
Putellas captained Barcelona to the 2025/26 UWCL title before moving to the WSL, tallying seven Champions League goals along the way.
“If you love football and if you want to play football, play football,” Putellas said at last night’s ceremony. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or if you’re a girl.” Putellas said.
Putellas’s win adds to Spain’s recent dominance, as the world’s top-ranked national team prepares to defend its World Cup crown in 2027.
Forward Ewa Pajor (Barcelona/Poland) scored the second-most votes, followed by forward Khadija Shaw (Man City/Jamaica), midfielder Melchie Dumornay (OL Lyonnes/Haiti) and midfielder Patri Guijarro (Barcelona/Spain).
Gotham’s Rose Lavelle — the USWNT’s only finalist — finished 27th.
