Young players present symbolic Ballon d'Or to Kubalita

Spain's first women's national team goalkeeper Carmen Arce received a symbolic Ballon d'Or from young players to honour her pioneering role in women's football.

Carmen Arce, known as 'Kubalita', was honoured by young female players from three women's football clubs sponsored by Apple Tree agency. The players presented her with a symbolic Ballon d'Or recognising her legacy as Spain's first women's national team goalkeeper and a pioneer of women's football in the country.

The tribute was part of 'The Most Awaited Ballon d'Or', a campaign launched by Apple Tree on International Day of the Girl to recognise women who made history in football before the sport had widespread visibility, role models and awards. While the men's Ballon d'Or began in 1956, the women's category was not introduced until 2018.

Young players from Olympia Las Rozas, Women Soccer School Barcelona and CE Seagull Badalona travelled to Madrid for the occasion. Kubalita expressed her gratitude, saying the experience surrounded by young players, coaches and media professionals working for women's football was unforgettable and gave her hope for the future of the sport.