Putellas wins third Bola as world's best player

Under the glittering chandeliers of the London venue, Alexia Putellas lifted the Bola as the world’s best player for the 2025/26 season, while Brazil’s goalkeeper Lorena watched from the sidelines, her name listed among the nominees.

Ceremony marks a new chapter in Londres

The awards took place on Monday the 26th in Londres, the 70th edition of the ceremony organised by the French magazine France Football. The event celebrated the season’s top performers across women’s football, with the Bola presented in a formal setting.

For the first time in four years, Aitana Bonmati did not receive the honour after three consecutive wins, her campaign curtailed by a serious injury. Her absence opened the field for other contenders and signalled a shift in the award’s recent pattern.

Alexia Putellas, now 32, claimed the Bola for a third time, having previously won in 2022 and 2023 before Bonmati’s dominance. She concluded a 14‑year spell at Barcelona, departing with 38 trophies, and will join the London City Lionesses, a project founded in 2019 by the City Group.

Alexia Putellas claims third Mal Ballon d'Or in London gala

Brazil’s Lorena finished 28th in the voting, representing the South American nation as its first‑choice goalkeeper. She has become a pillar of the Brazil side under coach Arthur Elias and a standout in the NWSL since arriving in 2025 after a long spell at Grêmio. The goalkeeper award went to Spain’s Cata Coll, also of Barcelona, with Ann‑Katrin Berger, Hannah Hampton and Ayaka Yamashita among the other nominees.

Barcelona’s haul dominates the shortlist

Putellas shared the shortlist with several Barcelona teammates, including Patri Guijarro, Ewa Pajor, Clàudia Pina and Graham Hansen. Putellas said, "So many Barcelona players being nominated says a lot about the season we had. The top‑10 also featured Temwa Chawinga, Pernille Harder, Alessia Russo and Khadija Shaw."

Balón and Oro once more find Alexia Putellas at France Football

The young‑player award returned to 20‑year‑old midfielder Vicky López, who repeated her triumph from the previous year after another season of Barcelona titles. She added, "I’m very proud and grateful. This recognition would not be possible without my Barcelona teammates and the national team. I also want to thank my mother, who is with me wherever I go, even though she is no longer among us."

Barcelona’s dominance extended to the technical side, with Spanish coach Pere Romeu named the best technical director of women’s football. The club was also voted the best club of the season, while the first non‑Barcelona award went to Mexican striker Charlyn Corral of Pachuca, who netted 49 goals in 49 games.