Which Female Has The Most Ballon D'Or? Unveiling The Queen Of Football Awards (2024 Update)
Have you ever wondered who stands at the very top of women's football, holding the most prestigious individual award? It's a question that, you know, really sparks a lot of discussion among fans and sports enthusiasts alike. This award, the Ballon d'Or Féminin, celebrates the absolute best female footballer in the world each year, recognizing their incredible talent, dedication, and impact on the game. It's a huge deal, basically, for anyone who loves watching the beautiful game played at its highest level.
The journey to becoming the best, to be honest, is a truly remarkable one, demanding years of relentless practice, strategic play, and a deep passion for the sport. For female athletes, this path has, in some respects, been even more challenging, as women's football has historically faced hurdles in gaining the recognition and resources it truly deserves. Yet, despite these obstacles, the talent on display has always been nothing short of extraordinary, and this award helps shine a bright light on those who push the boundaries of what's possible.
As we look at the history of this relatively new but very important award, we'll discover the player who has, you know, etched her name into the record books more than anyone else. We'll explore her journey, her achievements, and what makes her such a standout figure in the sport. So, if you're curious to find out which female footballer holds the ultimate bragging rights in terms of Ballon d'Or wins, just keep reading, because we're about to reveal the answer and quite a bit more.
Table of Contents
- The Ballon d'Or Féminin: A Brief History
- The Undisputed Queen of the Ballon d'Or
- Alexia Putellas: Biography and Career Highlights
- Her Reign: The Ballon d'Or Winning Seasons
- The Impact of a Two-Time Winner
- Other Leading Lights in Women's Football
- The Growing Prominence of Women's Football
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Ballon d'Or Féminin
The Ballon d'Or Féminin: A Brief History
The Ballon d'Or, a truly iconic award in football, has a very long history, going all the way back to 1956 for male players. However, it was only much, much later that the world of women's football received its own equivalent. The Ballon d'Or Féminin, specifically for female athletes, was actually introduced in 2018. This decision was, you know, a pretty big step forward, marking a significant moment in the recognition and celebration of women's professional football globally. Before this, despite the incredible skill and dedication shown by female players, there wasn't a single, universally recognized individual award of this stature.
The creation of this award came at a time when women's football was, you know, really gaining more visibility and popularity around the world. Leagues were growing, national teams were attracting larger audiences, and the overall quality of play was just soaring. The award itself is presented by France Football magazine, the same publication responsible for the men's award, and it aims to honor the best female player based on their performance over the previous year. It's judged by an international panel of journalists, so, you know, it's a pretty serious process.
It's interesting to consider the term "female" itself in this context. As our text describes, the word "female" has roots in the Latin "femella," meaning "young woman" or "girl," and has been used in English since the 14th century with spellings like "femel" and "femelle." It fundamentally refers to the sex that typically produces eggs, distinguishing anatomical and biological characteristics. In the context of this award, "female" clearly defines the category of athletes being celebrated, recognizing their distinct contributions and achievements within their specific sporting division, which, you know, is pretty straightforward.
The Undisputed Queen of the Ballon d'Or
So, to answer the big question: **Which female has the most Ballon d'Or awards?** The answer, as of the latest awards, is **Alexia Putellas**. She has, in fact, won the prestigious Ballon d'Or Féminin award not once, but twice. This remarkable achievement places her, you know, firmly at the top of the list, making her the most decorated female player in the short history of this specific award. Her wins have truly cemented her status as one of the most influential and talented footballers of her generation, and that's really saying something.
Her consistent excellence and groundbreaking performances on the field have, you know, set a very high standard for others. Winning such an esteemed award even once is a monumental task, requiring a blend of individual brilliance and team success. To win it twice, consecutively no less, speaks volumes about her sustained dominance and the sheer impact she has had on the game. It's a testament, you know, to her incredible skill and unwavering dedication, which is pretty amazing.
This dual victory puts her in a unique position, especially considering the award's relatively recent inception. It means that for a significant period, she was, you know, virtually unmatched in her contributions and overall influence in women's football. Her name is now synonymous with excellence, and her achievements will, you know, undoubtedly inspire countless aspiring female footballers around the world for years to come.
Alexia Putellas: Biography and Career Highlights
Alexia Putellas Segura, often simply known as Alexia, is, you know, a name that resonates deeply within the world of football. Born in Mollet del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain, on February 4, 1994, she quickly showed a remarkable talent for the sport from a very young age. Her journey through the ranks of youth football eventually led her to the senior stage, where she has, you know, truly blossomed into a global superstar. Her early career saw her play for Espanyol and Levante before she made the pivotal move to FC Barcelona in 2012, a club where she would, arguably, achieve her greatest successes.
At Barcelona, Alexia developed into a truly exceptional midfielder, known for her incredible vision, precise passing, powerful shots, and a knack for scoring crucial goals. She became a central figure, more or less, in a team that would go on to dominate both domestically and in Europe. Her leadership qualities also became very apparent, as she eventually took on the captaincy, guiding her team to historic triumphs. She's just a phenomenal player, honestly.
Her career highlights with Barcelona are, you know, quite extensive. She has won numerous Liga F titles, multiple Copas de la Reina, and, most notably, the UEFA Women's Champions League. Her performances in these competitions have been consistently outstanding, making her a key player in Barcelona's rise to become one of the most formidable teams in women's football history. For her national team, Spain, she has also been a vital player, representing her country in major tournaments and, you know, making a significant impact on the international stage. She's truly a legend, you know.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Full Name | Alexia Putellas Segura |
| Date of Birth | February 4, 1994 |
| Place of Birth | Mollet del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Playing Position | Midfielder |
| Current Club | FC Barcelona Femení |
| Major Individual Awards | Ballon d'Or Féminin (2021, 2022) |
Her Reign: The Ballon d'Or Winning Seasons
Alexia Putellas's two Ballon d'Or Féminin wins came in consecutive years, a feat that, you know, truly underscores her period of absolute dominance in the sport. Her first victory was in **2021**, following an absolutely sensational season where she led FC Barcelona to a historic treble. That year, Barcelona won the Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, and, crucially, their first-ever UEFA Women's Champions League title. Alexia was, you know, the driving force behind these successes, scoring a remarkable number of goals from midfield and providing countless assists. Her influence on every game was, you know, just undeniable, making her the clear choice for the award that year.
Then, in **2022**, she did it again, securing her second consecutive Ballon d'Or Féminin. This win was, in a way, even more remarkable because it came despite her suffering a serious ACL injury just before the UEFA Women's Euro 2022. Prior to the injury, her performances for Barcelona were still incredibly high. She continued to be a pivotal player, leading her team to another Liga F title and reaching the Champions League final once more. Her consistent excellence, even with the looming injury, was, you know, just too significant to overlook. This second award truly highlighted her unparalleled talent and importance to the game, even when facing adversity.
These two awards, you know, truly mark a golden era for Alexia and for women's football in Spain. They represent not just individual brilliance but also the collective rise of a team and a nation in the sport. Her ability to maintain such a high level of performance, year after year, is, you know, what sets her apart. It's a testament to her incredible work ethic, her tactical intelligence, and her sheer will to win, which, honestly, is pretty inspiring.
The Impact of a Two-Time Winner
Alexia Putellas's double Ballon d'Or win has, you know, had a profound impact far beyond just her personal trophy cabinet. Her achievements have brought unprecedented attention to women's football, not just in Spain but across the globe. When a player of her caliber wins such a prestigious award, it, you know, naturally draws more eyes to the sport, encouraging more media coverage, more investment, and ultimately, more fans. She has become, basically, a household name, even for people who might not follow women's football regularly.
Her success also serves as a powerful source of inspiration for young girls and aspiring female athletes everywhere. Seeing someone like Alexia achieve such heights, you know, shows them what's truly possible with dedication and talent. She embodies the growing professionalism and ambition within women's football, demonstrating that female players can, in fact, reach the very pinnacle of their sport and receive the recognition they deserve. Her influence extends to sponsorship deals, larger audiences for matches, and, you know, a general elevation of the sport's profile.
Furthermore, her wins have, you know, really put FC Barcelona Femení on the map as a dominant force in European club football. Her leadership and performances have been central to their success, which in turn, has raised the bar for other clubs and leagues. It's a cycle of excellence, where individual brilliance fuels team success, which then, you know, shines a brighter light on the entire sport. She's a true pioneer, honestly, in many respects, shaping the future of women's football with every kick and every award.
Other Leading Lights in Women's Football
While Alexia Putellas currently holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or Féminin wins, it's important to remember that she is, you know, part of a truly incredible group of athletes who have either won the award or consistently been among the top contenders. The competition for this prize is, in fact, incredibly fierce, showcasing the depth of talent present in women's football today. The inaugural winner in 2018 was Ada Hegerberg from Norway, who, you know, made history by being the first recipient of the award. Her win highlighted the incredible goal-scoring prowess and impact of forwards in the game.
Following Hegerberg, the 2019 award went to Megan Rapinoe of the United States. Rapinoe's victory was, you know, not only a recognition of her outstanding performance in leading the US to the World Cup title but also her powerful advocacy for social justice and equality, which, honestly, resonated with many people. After the award was not presented in 2020 due to the pandemic, Alexia Putellas then began her two-year reign. Most recently, the 2023 Ballon d'Or Féminin was awarded to Aitana Bonmatí, another Spanish midfielder and Alexia's teammate at Barcelona, which, you know, just goes to show the strength of that team.
Players like Sam Kerr, Vivianne Miedema, and Lucy Bronze have also consistently been nominated and finished high in the rankings, demonstrating their sustained excellence and influence on the global stage. These athletes, along with many others, are, you know, continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible in women's football, making the race for the Ballon d'Or Féminin more exciting and unpredictable each year. It's a truly competitive field, basically, filled with amazing talent.
The Growing Prominence of Women's Football
The rise of players like Alexia Putellas and the increasing recognition through awards like the Ballon d'Or Féminin are, you know, clear indicators of the significant growth and prominence of women's football globally. Just a few years ago, the sport struggled for visibility, investment, and, you know, even basic respect in some regions. However, times are, in fact, changing quite rapidly. Major tournaments, like the FIFA Women's World Cup, are now drawing record-breaking audiences, filling stadiums, and generating immense media interest. This level of engagement was, you know, almost unimaginable not too long ago.
Leagues around the world are also becoming more professionalized, with better facilities, improved player contracts, and increased tactical sophistication. Clubs are investing more in their women's teams, recognizing the commercial and sporting potential. This enhanced support means players can, you know, dedicate themselves fully to their craft, leading to higher quality matches and more compelling narratives. The visibility of these athletes, amplified by social media and global broadcasting deals, has turned many of them into true role models and celebrities in their own right, which, you know, is a really positive development.
The journey is, you know, still ongoing, with challenges remaining in terms of equal pay, equitable resources, and universal access to the sport. However, the trajectory is undeniably upward. The Ballon d'Or Féminin plays a crucial role in this evolution, by, you know, consistently highlighting the individual brilliance that drives the collective success of women's football. It helps to tell the stories of these incredible athletes and, you know, ensures their achievements are celebrated on the grandest stage. To learn more about the history of football awards on our site, you can, you know, check out our other articles. We also have a special feature on the evolution of women's sports, which you might find very interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ballon d'Or Féminin
Who won the first Ballon d'Or Féminin?
The very first Ballon d'Or Féminin was awarded in 2018. The historic winner was Ada Hegerberg, a Norwegian striker who, you know, played for Lyon. Her win truly marked a new era for individual recognition in women's football, and it was, honestly, a very exciting moment for the sport.
How many times has Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d'Or?
Alexia Putellas has, in fact, won the Ballon d'Or Féminin twice. She secured the award in consecutive years, taking home the prestigious trophy in both 2021 and 2022. This makes her, you know, the player with the most wins in the award's history so far, which is pretty impressive.
Is the Ballon d'Or Féminin as important as the men's Ballon d'Or?
The Ballon d'Or Féminin holds the same level of prestige and significance within women's football as the men's Ballon d'Or does for male players. Both awards, you know, aim to recognize the absolute best individual performance in their respective categories. While the women's award is newer, its importance in celebrating female talent and elevating the sport is, you know, absolutely equal. It's a huge honor for any player to win it, basically.
In the end, Alexia Putellas stands as a true icon, holding the record for the most Ballon d'Or Féminin awards. Her journey, her talent, and her dedication have not only brought her personal glory but have also, you know, significantly contributed to the ongoing growth and recognition of women's football worldwide. She's a shining example of what's possible when talent meets opportunity and, you know, the world takes notice.
Female Ballon D'Or 2025 - Howard M. Bennett
How brilliant is Barcelona and Spain's double Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí? | Women's World
Women's Ballon d'Or: Alexia Putellas wins award for best female footballer in 2022 - BBC Sport
