Putellas equals Ballon d'Or record with third women's award

Spanish midfielder Putellas achieved the milestone on Monday, adding to her back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022 that had established her as the sport's most dominant player. The award comes four years after she first claimed the honour, reflecting a remarkable recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that threatened to derail her career at its peak.

Putellas' third Ballon d'Or Feminin places her level with the record holders in the women's category, a testament to her sustained excellence and influence on the pitch. Her performances have continued to drive Barcelona's dominance in European club football, with the midfielder orchestrating play from the centre of the park.

The award underscores the depth of women's football talent competing at the highest level, with Putellas overcoming stiff competition to secure the prize. Her ability to return to peak form following her injury has provided inspiration throughout the sport, demonstrating the resilience required to maintain elite status in professional football.

Putellas becomes only the latest Barcelona player to achieve such honours, reflecting the club's continued investment in women's football and its status as a global powerhouse in the women's game.