Alexia Putellas has won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, adding another major individual honour to her legacy in the game.

The Spain international is regarded as a women’s Barcelona legend in the same way Lionel Messi is associated with the men’s team. However, like the Argentine before her, Putellas left the club last summer after 14 years of loyal service and moved to England.

Her latest Ballon d’Or success may have been recognition for helping Barcelona win the Champions League once again. It may also have reflected the determination she showed in returning from a serious injury.

Putellas suffered a cruciate ligament tear in 2022, but despite the setback she recovered, returned to the pitch and went on to perform at an even higher level.