Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or on Monday, October 26, claiming the prestigious individual award for the third time after another successful season with Barcelona.
The 32-year-old was crowned at the London Palladium Theatre, finishing ahead of Poland international Ewa Pajor, who came second, and Jamaica forward Khadija Shaw, who placed third.
Putellas’ latest triumph follows her previous Ballon d’Or victories in 2021 and 2022, making her one of the most decorated players in the history of the women’s award.
The midfielder enjoyed an influential 2025/26 campaign with Barcelona, contributing to the Spanish club’s success in domestic and European competitions before leaving in July to join English Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses.
Her move to England marked a significant change after 14 years at Barcelona, where she developed into one of the club’s leading players and established herself among the most recognisable figures in women’s football.
Putellas’ third Ballon d’Or also comes after a period in which injuries disrupted parts of her career. She subsequently returned to prominence with Barcelona, helping the team compete for major honours while maintaining her influence in midfield.
Pajor’s second-place finish reflected her contribution to Barcelona’s campaign, with the Polish striker providing a consistent goalscoring threat. Shaw completed the top three after an impressive season with Manchester City, where her performances helped the English club compete for domestic honours.
The remaining positions in the top 10 were occupied by Lyon’s Melchie Dumornay in fourth, Barcelona midfielder Patri Guijarro in fifth, Caroline Graham Hansen in sixth, Bayern Munich’s Pernille Harder in seventh, Barcelona forward Clàudia Pina in eighth, Arsenal striker Alessia Russo in ninth and Malawi international Temwa Chawinga in tenth.
Zambia forward Barbra Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride in the United States, finished 18th in the final rankings, providing an African football connection to this year’s award.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or was introduced in 2018 to recognise the outstanding individual performer in women’s football. Winners are selected through voting by an international panel of journalists, who assess players’ performances over the relevant period.
Putellas’ victory adds another major individual honour to her career as she begins a new chapter in England with London City Lionesses, following years of success with Barcelona and recognition at the highest level of the women’s game.
