Image Source: BBC
Alexia Putellas Ballon d’Or success headlined a dramatic night of football honours on 26 October 2026, as the Barcelona and Spain midfielder was named the world’s best women’s player. Putellas finished first in the women’s voting, ahead of Ewa Pajor and Khadija Shaw, adding another major individual award to her remarkable career.
The ceremony also saw England captain Harry Kane win the men’s Ballon d’Or, making him the first Englishman to receive the prize in 25 years. His victory shared the spotlight with Putellas, whose achievement reinforced Barcelona’s continuing influence across the women’s game.
Alexia Putellas Ballon d’Or Victory Tops Historic Night
Putellas’ win was confirmed among a full list of prestigious awards presented during the 2026 ceremony. The Barcelona star led a strong group of nominees and ultimately claimed the women’s top honour after another influential season.
Her closest challengers included Bayern Munich forward Ewa Pajor, who finished second, and Khadija Shaw, who placed third. Melchie Dumornay, Patri Guijarro, Caroline Graham Hansen, Pernille Harder, Claudia Pina, Alessia Russo and Temwa Chawinga completed the women’s top 10.
The result underlined Putellas’ enduring status in elite football. Her technical quality, leadership and ability to control important matches have made her one of the defining players of her generation. For Barcelona supporters, the award provided another powerful celebration of the club’s success.
Barcelona Women Secure Club of the Year Award
Barcelona Women were also named Women’s Club of the Year, creating a memorable double for the Catalan side. The club’s award reflected its sustained excellence and the strength of its squad, while Putellas’ individual triumph highlighted the talent at the heart of the team.
Barcelona’s success was one of several notable team achievements recognised during the ceremony. Paris St-Germain won the men’s Club of the Year award, while Luis de la Fuente and Pere Romeu received the men’s and women’s Coach of the Year honours respectively.
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas
- Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona
- Women’s Striker of the Year: Charlyn Corral
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll
- Women’s Young Talent of the Year: Vicky López
- Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane
A Powerful Women’s Football Statement
The Alexia Putellas Ballon d’Or result also carries wider significance for women’s football. The award recognises an individual player, but it also reflects the growing global attention surrounding the women’s game and the increasing competition among Europe’s leading clubs.
Putellas’ victory follows a period in which Barcelona have remained central to the sport’s biggest conversations. The club’s presence among the night’s major winners demonstrates its depth, consistency and ability to produce players capable of competing at the highest level.
Her success was especially notable within a fiercely competitive shortlist. Pajor and Shaw represented two powerful attacking threats, while Guijarro, Hansen, Harder and Russo were also recognised among the leading players in world football. Putellas’ first-place finish therefore marked a significant personal achievement.
Kane and Putellas Share the Spotlight
While Putellas collected the women’s award, Kane’s historic victory dominated much of the men’s ceremony. The Bayern Munich striker scored 73 goals across club and international competitions during the 2025-26 season and finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.
Kane also received the Men’s Striker of the Year award. His win prompted praise from England manager Thomas Tuchel and Prince William, who described him as a “brilliant captain and remarkable player”. The England captain said the honour was made even more special by receiving it in London.
The evening’s results created a strong connection between two generations of football excellence. Kane represented a historic breakthrough for English men’s football, while Putellas continued to strengthen her legacy as one of the most influential figures in the women’s game.
What Comes Next for Putellas?
For Putellas, the award is likely to intensify expectations ahead of the next phase of the season. Her influence will remain important for Barcelona as the club seeks further domestic and European success, while Spain will continue to rely on her experience and leadership.
The 2026 ceremony offered a clear reminder that individual brilliance and team achievement often move together. With Putellas winning the women’s Ballon d’Or and Barcelona claiming the women’s club prize, the night belonged to one of the sport’s most successful modern teams.
FAQs About Alexia Putellas Ballon d’Or
Who won the 2026 women’s Ballon d’Or?
Alexia Putellas won the 2026 women’s Ballon d’Or. The Barcelona and Spain midfielder finished ahead of Ewa Pajor and Khadija Shaw.
Who finished in the women’s Ballon d’Or top three?
Alexia Putellas finished first, followed by Ewa Pajor in second and Khadija Shaw in third.
Did Barcelona win a team award?
Yes. Barcelona Women were named Women’s Club of the Year during the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Who won the men’s Ballon d’Or?
Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman to receive the award in 25 years.
