Alexia Putellas has won the 2026 Ballon d'Or Féminin, completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in modern soccer. The Barcelona captain collected the award on Monday night at the London Palladium, the first Ballon d'Or ceremony ever held outside Paris, on the same night England's Harry Kane won the men's prize.
The win sent searches for "Alexia Putellas" and "who won the Ballon d'Or 2026" climbing across the United States, including the Spanish-language query "quién ganó el Balón de Oro 2026."
A Third Ballon d'Or for Putellas
This is the third Ballon d'Or of Putellas' career, after back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022. It ties her with Spain and Barcelona teammate Aitana Bonmatí for the most women's Ballon d'Or titles in history.
Bonmatí, who won the award three years in a row after Putellas' last victory, was not eligible this year after missing close to six months of last season through injury.
The award has been dominated by a very small group. Since 2019, only three players have won it: Putellas, Bonmatí and the United States' Megan Rapinoe, who took the 2019 prize. Putellas' latest win came four years after her last.
The Comeback From a Torn ACL
Putellas' road back began with a devastating setback. She tore her anterior cruciate ligament on the eve of the 2022 European Championship in England, missed most of the following season with Barcelona and played only a peripheral role as Spain won the 2023 World Cup.
"My first goal after the injury was to compete again at the highest level," Putellas said. She has described how the injury changed her mentality, saying she now tries to enjoy everything "as it was the last."
A Quadruple-Winning Season With Barcelona
The voting period covered the 2025-26 season, and Putellas delivered on every front as captain of Barcelona:
- Quadruple: Barcelona won four trophies, including a seventh straight Liga F title.
- Champions League: Barcelona beat OL Lyonnes 4-0 in the final in Oslo, the club's third European title in four seasons.
- Liga F: 9 goals and 7 assists.
- Champions League: 8 goals and 6 assists.
She also remains a central figure for Spain, currently ranked first in the FIFA world rankings.
Strong Competition for the Award
Putellas beat a strong field. Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw made a powerful case after scoring 21 league goals as City won the league title and the FA Cup, while Barcelona midfielder Patri Guijarro also drew strong support.
What's Next for Alexia Putellas
At 32, Putellas has started a new chapter. With her Barcelona contract at an end, she has signed with London City Lionesses in England, a club owned by Michele Kang, who also owns OL Lyonnes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 Ballon d'Or Féminin?
Alexia Putellas won the award on October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium.
How many Ballon d'Or awards has Alexia Putellas won?
Three: in 2021, 2022 and 2026, tying Aitana Bonmatí's record.
Who won the men's Ballon d'Or 2026?
England captain Harry Kane won the men's award at the same ceremony.