The key facts

  • Putellas won her third Ballon d'Or after victories in 2021 and 2022
  • An ACL injury before Euro 2022 halted her progress; her comeback took nearly two years
  • She moved from Barcelona to London City Lionesses, owned by American businesswoman Michelle Kang, this summer

Third Ballon d'Or after a difficult comeback

Alexia Putellas received her third Ballon d'Or, awarded in London — the city where she relocated during the season. According to AFP, this recognition marks the culmination of a spectacular return to the pinnacle of women's football following an injury that interrupted her career at its peak. She had previously won the award in 2021 and 2022 as the creative heart of the dominant Barcelona team.

Injury, Bonmatí's shadow, and the comeback

The ACL tear occurred while Putellas was preparing for Euro 2022 with the Spanish national team. She recovered in time for Spain's World Cup victory a year later, but played a secondary role there, as her club and national teammate Aitana Bonmatí overshadowed her for nearly two years while Putellas regained her top form. Bonmatí, in turn, became a three-time Ballon d'Or winner from 2023 to 2025, until she herself was sidelined by a leg fracture. With renewed attention on Putellas, she helped Barcelona dominantly reclaim the Champions League title last season.

A new chapter in London

Having achieved everything possible in Catalonia, the 32-year-old Putellas joined London City Lionesses, owned by American businesswoman Michelle Kang. According to AFP, the club aims to break the mold as the only fully independent team in England's top division. 'This is a complete change in my life. It is a constant daily learning process: culture, language, moving to a new country, a new city,' said the footballer. According to her, after Barcelona she needed 'something completely different': 'This is practically an entirely new club where everything still needs to be written, and I am trying to bring my winning culture and mentality there.'

Impact in the WSL and outlook on the World Cup

The 'Putellas effect' is already evident in the English Women's Super League: Lionesses sit just behind Chelsea and Manchester City at the top of the table, surpassing the traditional giant Arsenal. The transfer could also be significant for the Spanish national team, which is preparing to defend its World Cup title next year: without European competitions this season, the star's workload is lower. 'This was one of the circumstances I considered. There is a long road ahead, and my focus is on the present day, but I also believe that such an environment will prepare me to perform at my best,' noted Putellas.