Alexia Putellas wins Ballon d’Or award for world’s best player for third time

Alexia Putellas has been named the world’s best women’s footballer for a third time, winning the Ballon d’Or award at the France Football ceremony.

Putellas previously received the honour in 2021 and 2022, adding a third individual award to her collection since the women’s prize was first introduced in 2018.

The Spanish midfielder moved from Barcelona to the English side Lionesses last summer. However, the success recognised by this year’s award came during her final season with Barcelona, when she made 53 appearances, scored 26 goals and provided 15 assists.

With Barcelona, Putellas won the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Spanish league, the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa de la Reina. She also lifted the UEFA Women’s Nations League with Spain.

The award was presented during the ongoing Ballon d’Or ceremony organised by France Football, which honours the leading players in men’s and women’s football.

Top 10 women’s players

Putellas finished first in the voting, ahead of fellow nominees Ewa Pajor and Khadija Shaw.

The full top 10 was:

1. Alexia Putellas 2. Ewa Pajor 3. Khadija Shaw 4. Melchie Dumornay 5. Patri Guijarro 6. Caroline Graham Hansen 7. Pernille Harder 8. Claudia Pina 9. Alessia Russo 10. Temwa Chawinga

Aitana Bonmati was the previous winner of the Ballon d’Or, having claimed the award in 2022.