Alexia Putellas a worthy Ballon d'Or winner but the limited shortlist illustrates flaws

Putellas wins her record-equalling third Ballon d'Or Féminin, but the award's shortlist and voting period reveal systemic issues in recognising African football and ensuring parity with men's categories.

Alexia Putellas has won the Ballon d'Or Féminin for a record-equalling third time, cementing her status as one of the greatest players in women's football. The 32-year-old Barcelona midfielder's award comes after her remarkable comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in 2022, and reflects her 14 goal contributions in 11 Women's Champions League appearances last season as Barcelona won the European title, plus her starring role in Spain's victory in the Women's Nations League finals in December.

Barcelona dominated the ceremony, with goalkeeper Cata Coll, coach Pere Romeu, and young player Vicky López also winning awards. However, the event highlighted persistent inequalities in the Ballon d'Or structure. The women's shortlists remain shorter than the men's—only five nominees for the young talent and goalkeeper awards compared to ten for the men—and the voting period (3 August 2025 to 19 July 2026) excluded this summer's rearranged Wafcon, meaning African players were largely overlooked. Cameroon's Valentine Nguele was not nominated for coach of the year despite winning Wafcon, and only Temwa Chawinga broke through to finish in the women's top 10.