Putellas Wins Third Ballon d'Or; Russo Named Among World's Best

Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas has been awarded the Ballon d'Or Féminin for a third time, equalling the record for most wins of the prestigious prize by a woman.

The Ballon d'Or, French for 'Golden Ball', is widely regarded as one of football's most prestigious individual honours, awarded annually to the player considered the best in the world.

Prestigious means highly respected and admired by many people.

Putellas has been a dominant figure in women's football for several years, and this latest win reinforces her status among the sport's elite performers.

Alongside the main award, English forward Alessia Russo was recognised among the world's top players, according to coverage of this year's ceremony.

Russo's inclusion in this elite group has drawn particular attention in Italy, as the player has Sicilian family heritage.

Italian media outlets, including regional outlets in Sicily, have highlighted her connection to the island as a point of local pride.

Sicily, a large island in southern Italy, has a strong footballing culture, and stories of local or ancestral ties to international stars often attract significant attention.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony traditionally gathers leading players, coaches, and officials to celebrate achievements across the footballing calendar.

While the summary provided limited detail on the full list of nominees and the exact ranking of players, Russo's presence among the top names underscores her growing prominence in the international game.

Prominence means being well known and important.

Putellas' continued success at the top level of women's football reflects both her individual consistency and the broader rise in visibility of the women's game in recent years.

Her achievement places her among a very small number of players to have won the award three times, a mark of sustained excellence at the highest level.

As women's football continues to gain global attention, awards like the Ballon d'Or Féminin play an increasingly important role in recognising top talent and inspiring future generations of players.