{
  "id": 16788679,
  "title": "Alexia Putellas: From a painful setback to the Queen of world football again",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/alexia-putellas-from-a-painful-setback-to-the-queen-of-world-football",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-27T19:09:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/news/alexia-putellas-from-a-painful-setback-to-the-queen-of-world-football-again/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In October 2026, Barcelona legend Alexia Putellas secured the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for the third time, marking her return to the top of world football after a serious knee injury threatened her career. Born in 1994, Putellas grew up supporting FC Barcelona and joined the club's first team at just 18. Over 14 years, she became a key player, eventually becoming the team's captain and one of the most influential players in women's football. Putellas won two Ballon d'Or awards in 2021 and 2022, cementing her status as one of the best female footballers in the world. However, her 2022 triumph was followed by a devastating injury that kept her out of action until April 2023. Her return to competitive action marked the beginning of a challenging journey to regain her former stature. Despite setbacks, Putellas proved her resilience by gradually re-establishing herself among the world's best players. In 2025 and 2026, she helped Barcelona win four major trophies, including the UEFA Women's Champions League, and was named the European Player of the Season. At the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Putellas was named the world's best women's footballer for a third consecutive time, solidifying her legacy in the sport. Her story serves as an inspiring example of overcoming adversity and reaching new heights in women's football.",
  "summary": "By Marcella Mwinkoma Babing On Monday, 26 October 2026, the Barcelona legend reclaimed football’s most prestigious individual honour in the women’s game, securing the award for a third time after previous victories in 2021 and 2022 At 32, Putellas has returned to the summit of world football after a serious knee injury threatened to derail […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}