Alexia Putellas returns to the summit as Barcelona sweep women’s Ballon d’Or honours

Barcelona claimed a clean sweep of the women’s awards at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held at the London Palladium on Monday evening, with Alexia Putellas crowned the women’s Ballon d’Or winner.

The former Barcelona captain returned to the top of the women’s game after a season in which she combined individual statistics with major honours. The Spain midfielder scored 24 goals and supplied 13 assists for Barcelona in all competitions last season, including seven goals and seven assists in the Women’s Champions League.

Putellas’ return to the highest level followed a difficult period after she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2022. She worked extensively to regain her fitness and form, and has since re-established herself among the world’s leading players.

She was also named UEFA Women’s Champions League Player of the Season before announcing her departure from Barcelona after 14 successful seasons. Putellas has joined London City Lionesses.

The award is the third women’s Ballon d’Or of her career, following her victories in 2021 and 2022. It further strengthens her status as one of the most decorated players in the history of women’s football.

Barcelona’s other winners

Barcelona’s dominance continued in the young player category, where Spain international Vicky Lopez was named the best young player.

The award was presented by England international Lucy Bronze. Lopez was selected from a list of five nominees that included Veerle Buurman of the Netherlands and Chelsea, Felicia Schroder of Sweden and Hacken/Real Madrid, Clara Serrajordi of Spain and Barcelona, and Lily Yohannes of the United States and Lyon.

Lopez’s success provided further recognition for Barcelona’s academy and its continued production of highly rated young players.

Barcelona coach Pere Romeu was named the best manager of 2026 after leading the club through an exceptional campaign crowned by victory in the Women’s Champions League.

The award was presented by Spanish manager Rafa Benitez, who led Liverpool to their famous comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final. Liverpool recovered from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 before winning on penalties in Istanbul.

Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll also received an award, being named the best women’s goalkeeper of 2026 after playing a key role in the club’s Champions League triumph.

Barcelona were then recognised as the best women’s club. They had previously won the award in 2023, when it was introduced, and again in 2024, while finishing runners-up in 2025.

Under Romeu, Barcelona completed a historic four-trophy campaign in 2025-26, winning the Spanish league, the Copa de la Reina, the Spanish Super Cup and the Women’s Champions League for a fourth time.

The women’s striker award, known as the Gerd Muller Trophy, went to Mexico international Charlyn Corral of Pachuca. She became the first Mexican player to receive the honour, which recognises the leading goalscoring performances of the previous season and is separate from the women’s Ballon d’Or.