Putellas returns to the top
Alexia Putellas has won the 2026 women’s Ballon d’Or, securing the award for a record-equalling third time. The Barcelona and Spain midfielder previously won in 2021 and 2022 before Aitana Bonmatí took the honour in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The result extends an uninterrupted sequence of Spanish winners dating to Putellas’s first triumph. Her latest award also brings her level with the women’s Ballon d’Or record, according to BBC Sport.
Former player Michael Owen presented the prize during the ceremony at the London Palladium in London, La Nacion reported. Putellas thanked France Football, voters and her teammates, while praising the other nominees and saying several Barcelona players could have won.
Barcelona collect further honours
Barcelona were also named the best women’s club. La Nacion reported that the team won Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League during the 2025-26 season.
Barcelona coach Pere Romeu received the women’s coach of the year award, while Vicky López retained the women’s young player honour she won in 2025. Barcelona goalkeeper Catalina Coll was named the leading women’s goalkeeper.