Rami faces backlash after mocking Putellas’ Ballon d’Or acceptance speech

Former France defender Adil Rami has faced accusations of misogyny after criticising Alexia Putellas’ acceptance speech at the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards.

Putellas, who now plays for London City, won the prize for a third time on Monday. During the ceremony, the Spain international delivered a lengthy speech in which she thanked former team-mates at Barcelona, along with her family and loved ones.

Rami, a 2018 World Cup winner, said he found the speech too long while speaking on Twitch.

“Alexia Putellas started talking. It was funny, but, man, turn the microphone down, just turn the damn microphone down,” he said.

The former Valencia, Milan and Sevilla defender continued: “Alexia Putellas, why? For goodness’ sake, if you want to talk, no problem, go home, prepare a place like we do, and use the microphone for yourself.”

His remarks quickly prompted an angry reaction on social media, with numerous users accusing the former France international of being sexist, according to Foot Mercato.

The criticism intensified after some users pointed out that England striker Harry Kane’s speech on receiving his Ballon d’Or was three minutes longer than Putellas’ address. They questioned why Rami had not made a similar comment about Kane.

Putellas used her speech to reflect on her career and the difficulties she experienced after suffering a serious knee injury.

“I remember the times when my leg let me down, when I learned to walk again, to run again and to kick a ball again,” she said, appearing visibly emotional.

The 32-year-old also paid tribute to her former Barcelona team-mates, with whom she won the Spanish league, the Copa de la Reina, the Spanish Super Cup and the Women’s Champions League last season.

Those personal reflections, as well as her discussion of the honours achieved with Barcelona, added to the controversy surrounding Rami’s comments.