Alexia Putellas’ Journey from ACL Injury to Her Third Ballon d'Or Triumph

On Monday in London, Alexia Putellas secured her third Ballon d'Or, a testament to her return to the pinnacle of women's football following a tough injury setback in 2022. The Barcelona star played a vital role in guiding her club to a historic quadruple during the 2025-26 season.

The Defining Moment in Bilbao

Perhaps the most pivotal moment in Putellas' comeback did not occur during the award-winning 2025-26 campaign but over two years earlier. During the 2024 Women’s Champions League final, as time ticked into stoppage, Barcelona led Lyon 1-0. Manager Jonatan Giraldez brought on Putellas and Claudia Pina to inject fresh energy. Shortly after, Pina assisted Putellas, who fired a powerful finish that sealed the victory and ended Barca’s long quest to conquer eight-time European champions Lyon.

This goal was more than just a match-winner—it symbolized Putellas’ liberation from the struggles she had faced after tearing her ACL before the 2022 European Championship. That injury had sidelined her during what should have been a defining season, but scoring in Bilbao marked the start of her rise back to elite form.

From Injury Struggles to Mental Strength

Many fans remember July 5, 2022, when news broke of Putellas’ ACL injury just before the Euros began. The process that followed included scans, confirmation of the severity, and watching her teammates compete from the sidelines on crutches. Her rehabilitation lasted nearly ten months, and even after returning to play, it took time for her to regain confidence and full fitness.

Her limited impact at the 2023 Women’s World Cup showed she was still recovering. Further setbacks occurred when she underwent meniscus surgery in November 2023, causing another four-month absence during the 2023-24 season.

The Moment That Set Her Free

Putellas described that goal in the 2024 Champions League final as a turning point. It was a reminder to everyone of her capabilities and, more importantly, a mental breakthrough for her personally.

“Physically you can be good, but if mentally you’re not there, you’re tense, you can’t control yourself as you did,” Putellas told The Guardian. “It’s not that I came off the pitch thinking, ‘I can do it,’ but rather, ‘that’s it, time’s come.’ The cruciate, the meniscus, the whole injury, you’ve closed that cycle. Done. I felt free. And from there, I’ve felt super good.”

Reaching New Heights

Following this breakthrough, Putellas flourished. She was Spain’s standout player at the Olympic Games that summer, signaling her return to top form. In the 2024-25 season, she scored 27 goals and provided 21 assists as Barcelona won a domestic treble and reached the Champions League final. Many believed she deserved the Ballon d'Or that year, though Aitana Bonmati claimed the prize amid strong competition from Arsenal stars Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo.

Reflecting on her progress, Putellas said, “Two years later, I see it: my level is completely different, even if at the time you don’t realise. You know that feeling, that sense of security when it’s like you’re capable of anything? At that moment of the ACL injury, I felt it. And now I’ve got that feeling once again.”

Consistency and Leadership in 2025-26

Putellas maintained her high standard in 2025-26 with 24 goals and 13 assists while helping Barcelona secure another domestic treble and a fourth Champions League title. She also contributed significantly to Spain’s Nations League win.

Her leadership became crucial amid injuries to key teammates. Aitana Bonmati missed five months due to a broken leg, and Patri Guijarro was sidelined for three months. Putellas stepped up not only by performing on the pitch but by supporting younger players like Esmee Brugts, who praised her demanding attitude and example both in matches and training.

• Notable Moments:
• Nations League semi-final: Decisive free-kick against Sweden
• Real Madrid encounters: Three goals and three assists across three matches in nine days
• Champions League semi-finals: Key performance vs Bayern Munich
• Spain vs England: Two goals securing World Cup qualification, pushing England to playoffs

Putellas excelled when the stakes were highest, blending effortless skill with intelligent playmaking and clinical finishing. From elegant volleys to precise first-time strikes, her quality shone throughout.

A Legacy Forged in Resilience

That night in Bilbao, when Putellas lifted the ball with her left foot to score, marked the end of a difficult chapter and the start of a new era in her career. Football owes much to her resilience and brilliance, which earned her the 2026 Ballon d'Or, a fitting tribute to one of the game's greats.