Putellas wins third Ballon d'Or - why her success is great for the WSL

Putellas won her record-equalling third Ballon d'Or as a London City Lionesses player, the first WSL winner of the award.

Alexia Putellas claimed a record-equalling third women's Ballon d'Or on Monday, becoming the first player to win the award while playing in the Women's Super League. The 32-year-old Spain international joined London City Lionesses in July after 14 years at Barcelona, where she captained the club to a quadruple last season, scoring 26 goals and providing 15 assists across all competitions.

Since her move to London City, Putellas has scored three goals and provided one assist in seven WSL games. The club currently sits third in the league table on a five-game winning streak, with only Manchester City and Chelsea scoring more goals since April. Her arrival has elevated her teammates, with Danielle van de Donk, Grace Geyoro and Delphine Cascarino all performing at heightened levels. Champions League qualification is now a realistic target for the seven-year-old club.

Putellas' presence represents a significant moment for the WSL and women's football globally. Her decision to join London City, owned by Michele Kang who also runs Washington Spirit and Olympique Lyonnais, underscores the league's growing appeal and ambition to compete at the highest level.