Unai Simón wins Yashin Trophy for world's best goalkeeper at Ballon d'Or gala

Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas has won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for a record-equalling third time. The 32-year-old, who previously won the award in 2021 and 2022, joins teammate Aitana Bonmati on three titles. Putellas, nicknamed "La Reina," most recently captained Barcelona to a Champions League title as part of a quadruple during the 2025-26 season before joining London City Lionesses in July.

Her latest victory follows a return to elite football after a career-threatening ACL injury in 2022. According to BBC Sport Football, Putellas secured the most votes from an international panel of journalists, placing ahead of Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor and Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw. BBC Sport reports that she recorded 21 goals and 13 assists in all competitions last season, with seven of those goals coming in the Women's Champions League.

The win ensures the prize remains in Spanish hands for a sixth consecutive year. Yahoo Sports noted Putellas's influence on the game and her ability to create chances, while BBC Sport Football highlighted her status as a leading figure of her generation.

Brief written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports, BBC Sport Football, BBC Sport, 3News, Punch — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.