Alexia Putellas wins the women’s Ballon d’Or for 2026

Spanish player Alexia Putellas has been crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, collecting the prestigious award for the third time in her career and drawing level with compatriot Aitana Bonmatí.

The 32-year-old, now of London City Lionesses, received the trophy at the ceremony held in London. Putellas first lifted the Ballon d’Or in 2021 and retained it the following year. After a three-year gap in which Bonmatí claimed the prize consecutively from 2023 to 2025, the Barcelona-born midfielder returned to the summit this season. Bonmatí was absent from the 2026 shortlist after sustaining an injury that ruled her out of contention.

Putellas delivered a prolific campaign across club and country, scoring 25 goals and providing 14 assists. She collected the award from Michael Owen, the 2001 Ballon d’Or winner.

The move to London City in the summer of 2026 followed an outstanding final season at Barcelona for Patri Guijarro. The midfielder helped the Catalan side secure four trophies, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League, in which she was named player of the tournament after contributing seven goals and seven assists.