The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to take place at the end of October, and London City Lionesses midfielder Alexia Putellas is the strongest candidate to win the award on the women’s side. Her work prior to her move to England this summer, particularly with Barcelona Femení, has made her a favorite for the award.
Putellas’s departure from Barcelona after 14 years marked the end of a glorious chapter for the player, who put Barça’s women’s team on the map. During her final season, she led the team to a historic quadruple, winning the Champions League, Liga F, Copa de la Reina, and Spanish Super Cup.
Leadership and Performance
With Aitana Bonmatí injured for most of the season, Putellas took on the responsibility of leading Barça, making 43 appearances and staying injury-free. She finished the season with 20 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, showcasing her special quality and leadership.
Putellas saved her best performances for the biggest games, including dominant displays in El Clásico against Real Madrid and the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich. Her outstanding display in the latter, where she scored two goals, was a highlight of the season.
International Success
Putellas was also instrumental in Spain’s success last season, helping La Roja win the 2025 Nations League with a dominant victory over Germany. She was named MVP of the tournament and had a great year with the national team, including a run to the final of the 2025 Euros.
As Putellas moves to a new stage of her career with London City Lionesses, her performances in the 2025-26 season serve as a reminder of her special talent. After overcoming a serious ACL injury in 2022, Putellas worked hard to regain her form, staying healthy for a full season and offering a glorious reminder of her leadership and quality.
Given her impressive performances, it is clear that Putellas has a strong claim to the Ballon d’Or. If she wins, she will be a very deserved winner, and her name will be announced on October 26. The announcement of the winner will take place at the end of October, and Putellas is likely to be at the forefront of the ceremony.