Putellas Matches Record With Third Ballon d'Or, and the WSL Benefits

Alexia Putellas has been named the Women's Ballon d'Or for a third time, equalling the record for most wins. The Barcelona and Spain midfielder, 32, first won the award in 2021 and again in 2022. The result also keeps the prize in Spanish hands for a sixth straight year, following Aitana Bonmati's wins in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The award lands at a useful moment for the Women's Super League. Putellas joined London City Lionesses in July, choosing the project over offers from England, Mexico and the United States. She has scored three goals and set up one in seven WSL appearances so far, showing she can still produce at the highest level in a new league.

Her rise back to the top is also a comeback story. She tore an anterior cruciate ligament in 2022, ruling her out of Euro 2022 and leaving her with a limited role at the 2023 World Cup. Last season she helped Barcelona win a quadruple, scoring 21 goals and providing 13 assists in all competitions.

For the WSL, the benefit is simple. A three-time Ballon d'Or winner gives the league a name that casual fans recognise, and her presence gives neutral supporters a reason to watch. It also sends a message that top players are willing to pick the English game for its ambition, not only for a final chapter in their career.