Alexia Putellas wins third Ballon d'Or in London ceremony

Alexia Putellas won her third Ballon d'Or at the 70th edition of the ceremony held in London on Monday night. The Catalan former Barcelona player, who now plays for London City Lionesses in the English league, was recognised as the world's best female footballer.

Putellas shared the award with her former Barcelona teammates, saying any of them would have been an equally worthy winner. She described it as a genuine pleasure to play with each of them and expressed pride in having been their captain.

“I think any Barcelona player would have been an equally worthy winner. It was a genuine pleasure to play with each and every one of you.”

The former Barcelona player, who spent 14 seasons at the club, also thanked the club staff, workers, fans, president and board of directors in Catalan.

Putellas now equals Aitana Bonmatí as the player with the most Ballon d'Or awards. She won the trophy after a remarkable season with Barcelona in which she claimed the league, the Copa de la Reina, the Supercopa and the Champions League, while also lifting the Nations League with Spain.

She finished the season with 27 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, having returned to top form following the serious cruciate ligament injury she suffered in the summer of 2022.

In the men's category, English forward Harry Kane was the winner. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal finished third, one place behind the runner-up from the previous year.

Barcelona also won the award for best women's club of the year.