Alexia Putellas

Alexia Putellas is a Spanish professional footballer who is widely considered one of the greatest female players in the history of the sport. Born in Mollet del Valles, near Barcelona, Putellas joined FC Barcelona’s women’s team in 2012 and has since become the club’s all-time leading scorer and most decorated player. Her exceptional vision, technical ability, and leadership have been instrumental in Barcelona Femeni’s rise to dominance in European women’s football.

Putellas reached the pinnacle of individual recognition by winning the Ballon d’Or Feminin in both 2021 and 2022, becoming only the second player to win the prestigious award in consecutive years. In 2021, she led Barcelona to their first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League title, scoring in the final as Barcelona dismantled Chelsea 4-0. That season, she was virtually unstoppable, recording incredible goal and assist tallies that set new benchmarks for women’s club football.

Tragedy struck on the eve of UEFA Euro 2022, when Putellas suffered a torn ACL in training, ruling her out of the tournament that many expected Spain to contend for with her leading the charge. The injury was a devastating blow, but Putellas demonstrated remarkable resilience in her rehabilitation. She returned to action in 2023 and was part of Spain’s historic FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning squad that summer, adding a World Cup medal to her already glittering collection of honors.

Beyond her on-field achievements, Putellas has become one of the most marketable athletes in women’s sports. She has secured endorsement deals with major global brands and has been a powerful advocate for the growth and professionalization of women’s football. Her story of overcoming a career-threatening injury to return at the highest level has only added to her inspirational legacy.