It was highly anticipated. As team captain, Putellas led Barcelona to a quadruple in 2025–2026, winning the league, cup, Spanish Super Cup and Champions League.
Along the way, the 32-year-old, who has been playing for London City since last fall, scored 26 goals, among other things.
To all the boys and girls around the world - if you love to play football and want to play football, play football, says Putellas.
It doesn't matter where you come from. Don't listen to anyone who says you can't do it. Believe in yourself.
Putellas also received the Ballon d'Or in 2021 and 2022.
The ceremony took place in Putellas's new hometown, at the iconic London Palladium, as a tribute to Englishman Sir Stanley Matthews, who was awarded the very first Ballon d'Or 70 years ago, in 1956.
The Ballon d'Or is awarded by the French magazine France Football and is considered the most prestigious individual award a footballer can receive.
On the women's side, it has been awarded since 2018.
2026: Alexia Putellas, Spain.
2025: Aitana Bonmatí, Spain.
2024: Aitana Bonmatí, Spain.
2023: Aitana Bonmatí, Spain.
2022: Alexia Putellas, Spain.
Ballon d'Or, men: Harry Kane (England)
Women's Ballon d'Or: Alexia Putellas (Spain)
Men's Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
Women's Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu (Barcelona)
Club of the Year, Men: Paris Saint-Germain
Club of the Year, Women: Barcelona
Best male player under 21: Lamine Yamal (Spain/Barcelona)
Best women's player under 21: Vicky López (Spain/Barcelona)
Best goalkeeper, men: Unai Simón (Spain/Athletic Bilbao)
Best goalkeeper, women: Cata Coll (Spain/Barcelona)
Top scorer, men: Harry Kane (England/Bayern Munich)
Top scorer, women: Charlyn Corral (Mexico/Pachuca)
