Alexia Putellas wins third Ballon d'Or as Spain takes eight of 12 awards

Putellas wins her third Ballon d'Or

Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or for a third time, drawing level with Aitana Bonmatí, who won the award in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Putellas had previously won it in 2021 and 2022. The prize was presented at the London Palladium Theatre on 26 October. Putellas, who was born in Mollet del Vallès near Barcelona, now plays for London City Lionesses after 14 years at FC Barcelona. In the 2025/26 season she won the Spanish league, cup and supercup with Barcelona, along with the Champions League, where she was also named the competition's best player. Over her time at the club she played more than 500 matches, scored 230 goals and won 38 titles.

Speaking after the award, Putellas said she felt honoured and also lucky.

“I feel honoured, but this time also lucky.”

She tied the recognition to her recovery from a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury, which had interrupted her career at its peak. She said it felt especially rewarding that her team was winning and that her work within it was being recognised.

Spain takes eight of the 12 prizes

Spanish players and staff collected eight of the 12 awards presented at the gala, according to Europa Press. Luis de la Fuente was named best men's coach after leading Spain to the World Cup, beating Luis Enrique, Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery to the honour. Lamine Yamal and Vicky López won the best young player awards, while Cata Coll and Unai Simón were named the best goalkeepers. Pere Romeu received the award for best women's coach, and FC Barcelona was named the best women's team. Romeu received the Johan Cruyff award from Rafa Benítez, who presented the prizes alongside him.

Government and coaches react

Education, Vocational Training and Sports Minister Milagros Tolón spoke at a press conference after the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, 27 October. She congratulated Putellas, Luis de la Fuente, Unai Simón, Lamine Yamal, Pere Romeu, Cata Coll, Vicky López and FC Barcelona Femenino by name.

“Everyone received a well-deserved award. This shows the importance and the good moment our sport is going through.”

De la Fuente said the award was not a finish line for him.

“This award is not a goal reached, but a motivation to keep improving and growing.”

Romeu described his award as a collective one and credited the players and his coaching staff. Putellas's comments on her career and the team's results followed the same theme of collective success.

Nike and Dior tributes

Nike marked the award with the campaign 'Players have seasons, Queens have eras' and a gold edition of the Phantom GX3 boots. The boots carry the number 11 and Putellas's logo, and the inside of the shoe features a faceted gem shaped like a football, with the words 'Greatness is crafted'. At the ceremony Putellas wore an ivory silk Dior gown with feathered shoulders that evoked the wings of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.