Featured image credit: Steffen Prößdorf (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Barcelona’s midfield maestro Alexia Putellas was awarded the Ballon d’Or Féminin following her instrumental role in Barcelona’s treble winning season but her journey to the award is not to be overlooked.
Putellas, born in Catalonia, spent a year in the Barcelona youth system before working up the ladder at Espanyol and then later moving to Levante.
In 2012, she returned to Barcelona, quickly establishing herself as a starlet within the Barcelona side and helped her team win five league titles and six Copas de la Reina whilst making around 400 appearances for the club.
Her domestic performances also granted her prestige on the international stage with Spain, becoming the national side’s most capped women’s player and winning Spain’s Player of the Year in 2021.
However, it was her incredible performances in the 2020-2021 that earned her the Ballon d’Or. She scored 18 goals in the league with her goal and assist in the Women’s Champions League Final helping Barcelona overcome Emma Hayes’ dominant Chelsea side and win Barcelona their first Champions League trophy.
Putellas became the first Spaniard to win the Ballon d’Or since 1960 and was clear on the value winning the award held.
“Honestly, it is a bit emotional. Very special. It is great to be here with all my teammates. We’ve lived and experienced so much together, especially last season,” she said.
“I would like to thank all my teammates, all my teammates throughout my career and the ones I have right now. This is an individual prize but football is a team sport.
“I’d also like to thank the club of course. It is a real privilege to be here representing Barcelona.”
With Barcelona flying in the league this season, 12 points clear at the top and leading their group in the Champions League. We may see Spain dominate the trophies and awards once again next year.