London City Lionesses fans have a reason to celebrate as their new midfield signing, Alexia Putellas, is being tipped as the leading candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Féminin. The award ceremony, scheduled for the end of October, will likely recognize Putellas for the outstanding contributions she made during the 2025‑26 campaign, both at club level with Barcelona Femení and on the international stage with the Spanish national team.
Club dominance with Barcelona Femení
After fourteen years with Barcelona, Putellas left a legacy of dominance that defined the club’s women’s side throughout the 2020s. In her final season before moving to England, she appeared in 43 matches, staying injury‑free after two seasons hampered by physical setbacks. She recorded 20 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, helping Barça secure a historic quadruple: the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Liga F title, the Copa de la Reina, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Putellas proved decisive in the biggest moments. She shone in the El Clásico against Real Madrid and delivered a two‑goal performance in the Champions League semi‑final second leg against Bayern Munich at Camp Nou, underscoring her reputation as a player who rises to the occasion.
International impact with La Roja
Spain’s national team also benefited from Putellas’s leadership. La Roja captured the 2025 Nations League, defeating Germany with a commanding display in Madrid last December. Putellas earned the tournament’s MVP award and helped guide Spain to the final of the 2025 European Championship, further cementing her status as a world‑class talent.
Transition to the London City Lionesses
Putellas’s move to the London City Lionesses this summer marks a new chapter in her career. The club envisions her as a veteran on‑field leader for an ambitious project aimed at elevating the team’s competitive profile in the English Women’s Super League. While she will face new challenges in a different league, her recent season demonstrates that she remains at the peak of her abilities.
Earlier in her career, Putellas overcame a serious ACL injury in 2022, a setback that saw teammate Aitana Bonmatí ascend to the world’s top player status. Critics questioned whether Putellas could return to her pre‑injury level, but her full‑season health and performance this year have silenced those doubts.
Why she is the favorite
The combination of individual statistics, team achievements, and leadership qualities makes Putellas a compelling choice for the Ballon d’Or. Her 20 goals and 13 assists, coupled with a flawless injury record throughout the season, set her apart from other elite players. Moreover, her influence extended beyond club duties, as she guided Spain to major tournament success.
Should the award be announced on October 26, Putellas’s name is expected to dominate the conversation, and many observers believe she will be a well‑deserved winner.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
