Alexia Putellas Wins Third Women’s Ballon d’Or, Equals Bonmatí’s Record

Alexia Putellas has won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, becoming a three-time recipient of the award and drawing level with Spain teammate Aitana Bonmatí.

Putellas claimed the prize at Monday’s ceremony in London, returning to the top of women’s football after Bonmatí won the previous three editions in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The Barcelona midfielder previously won the award in 2021 and 2022. Her latest triumph makes her the second player to win the Women’s Ballon d’Or three times since the award was introduced in 2018.

How Putellas reached three Ballon d’Or wins

Putellas first won the award in 2021 after an outstanding season with Barcelona. She retained it in 2022, becoming the first player to win the Women’s Ballon d’Or in consecutive years.

However, a serious knee injury suffered shortly before the 2022 European Championship disrupted her progress. She later returned to action but faced a difficult period as she worked towards regaining her best form.

Bonmatí subsequently took over the spotlight, winning three consecutive awards while playing a leading role for Barcelona and Spain.

Putellas’ 2026 victory now restores her place alongside her compatriot at the top of the award’s honours list.

The season behind Putellas’ third award

Putellas’ latest success followed a trophy-filled 2025/26 campaign with Barcelona.

The Spanish club won four trophies, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Putellas contributed 21 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, underlining her importance to the team’s attack.

She also scored seven goals in the Women’s Champions League as Barcelona secured another European title.

Her contribution extended beyond goals. Putellas created chances, progressed attacks and helped Barcelona maintain their dominance in Spanish women’s football.

Putellas and Bonmatí share the record

Putellas and Bonmatí now have three Women’s Ballon d’Or awards apiece.

Putellas won in 2021, 2022 and 2026, while Bonmatí claimed the prize in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Their achievements reflect Barcelona and Spain’s sustained influence on women’s football over the past six years. Since 2021, the award has alternated between the two midfielders, with Putellas winning the first two editions of that run before Bonmatí claimed three consecutive titles.

Putellas’ third victory also marks a significant return after her injury setback and the subsequent rise of her teammate.

At 32, she has once again received individual recognition at the highest level, adding another milestone to a career that has brought her major domestic and European honours.