Queen of football: Alexia Putellas halts Bonmati's reign to win historic 3rd Ballon d'Or

London: Alexia Putellas has permanently etched her name into the pantheon of football royalty after securing a historic third Women’s Ballon d’Or at the awards ceremony in London. The 32-year-old Spanish midfielder, who previously won back-to-back honours in 2021 and 2022, reclaimed the top individual prize in global football following a dominant 2025/26 campaign. By earning her third golden ball, Putellas halted teammate Aitana Bonmatí’s three-year. The triumph stands as a monument to sustained excellence, coming after her recovery from serious knee surgery and subsequent tactical evolution at the highest level.

Reinventing the Midfield Role for Club and Country

Putellas’ historic third crown reflects remarkable adaptability and tactical influence. Throughout her final season with Barcelona Femení, she captained the squad to a domestic and continental quadruple, sweeping Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, the Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Putellas served as the key engine of Pere Romeu’s side, orchestrating attacking sequences while transitioning seamlessly from an advanced central playmaker to an adaptable midfield focal point before completing her transfer to London City Lionesses. Her ability to control match tempo and execute in high-stakes knockout ties proved decisive in outlasting rising contenders across Europe.

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Putellas vs History

With three Ballon d'Or awards to her name, Putellas stands alone at the apex of women's football history while joining an elite fraternity of all-time footballing icons across both men's and women's football:

Putellas' three individual crowns, alongside her 35 major club trophies and 2023 World Cup title, further solidify her legacy as the defining player of her generation.