Which Female Has The Most Ballon D'Or? A Look At The Record-Breaking Star

Keenan Kuvalis 31 Jul 2025

When we talk about the absolute pinnacle of individual achievement in women's football, one award stands out above the rest: the Ballon d'Or Féminin. It represents, you know, the very best player on the planet for a given year, a truly remarkable honor. This prestigious trophy, a golden ball, signifies unmatched skill, influence, and success on the pitch. So, naturally, many people wonder, which female has the most Ballon d'Or awards in her collection? It's a question that sparks quite a bit of interest among fans and followers of the beautiful game.

The quest to find out which female has the most Ballon d'Or takes us on a journey through recent football history. It's a story of dedication, talent, and breaking barriers, as a matter of fact. This award, while relatively new compared to its male counterpart, has quickly gained immense importance in recognizing the incredible abilities of women athletes worldwide. It truly shines a light on their hard work and commitment.

Understanding the history and significance of this award helps us appreciate the achievements of its winners even more. We'll explore the player who currently holds the record for the most wins, looking at her career and what makes her so exceptional. It's a pretty exciting topic, and we're just about to get into it.

The Story of the Ballon d'Or Féminin
- A Relatively New Honor
- What the Award Means
- The Voting Process and Criteria
The Player Who Holds the Record
- Alexia Putellas: A Name Synonymous with Excellence
- Biography of a Football Icon
Her Unprecedented Wins
- The First Triumph: 2021
- The Repeat Performance: 2022
- What Made Her Stand Out?
Alexia Putellas: Personal Details and Bio Data
The Impact of Her Achievements
- Inspiring a Generation
- Elevating Women's Football Globally
- The Role of Club and Country
Other Notable Stars in Women's Football
- Past Winners and Contenders
- The Depth of Talent
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Ballon d'Or Féminin
- Who Might Be Next?
- The Growing Stature of the Award
Common Questions About the Ballon d'Or Féminin
- FAQs

The Story of the Ballon d'Or Féminin

The Ballon d'Or, as a concept, has been around for a very long time, recognizing male footballers since the mid-1950s. However, the women's version is, in fact, a much more recent addition to the football world. This distinction is quite important when we consider its relatively short history.

A Relatively New Honor

The Ballon d'Or Féminin was first awarded in 2018. That's right, it's only been a few years since women footballers received this specific global recognition from France Football magazine. Before then, there were other awards, of course, but not this particular one, which is widely seen as the most prestigious individual accolade in football. Its introduction marked a significant step forward for the sport, signaling a greater commitment to celebrating women's contributions.

The decision to create a separate award came after years of calls for more equal recognition in football. It acknowledged the growing popularity and professionalism of women's leagues and international competitions. This was, in a way, a long overdue moment for many fans and players alike. It really highlighted the need for parity in sports honors.

What the Award Means

Winning the Ballon d'Or Féminin means a player has been judged as the very best female footballer in the world for that calendar year. It considers individual performance, collective success with club and country, and the player's overall class and fair play. It's not just about scoring goals, you know, but about leadership, skill, and impact on the game.

For any player, receiving this award is a dream come true, the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. It elevates their status globally and brings more attention to women's football as a whole. It’s, in some respects, a beacon for aspiring young athletes everywhere, showing them what's possible.

The Voting Process and Criteria

The voting process for the Ballon d'Or Féminin involves a panel of specialized journalists from around the world. Each journalist selects their top five players from a shortlist provided by France Football. Points are then awarded based on these rankings. The player with the most points wins the golden ball.

The criteria are quite broad, looking at a player's individual performances, their team's achievements, and their overall conduct on the pitch. It's a holistic view, meaning they consider more than just statistics. This approach ensures that the winner is not just a great player, but also a role model, which is a big deal, really. The selection is always a subject of much discussion and debate, as you might expect.

The Player Who Holds the Record

Now, let's get to the main question: Which female has the most Ballon d'Or? The answer, as of the most recent awards, is a name that has become incredibly famous in women's football. She has, you know, truly set a new standard for excellence in the sport.

Alexia Putellas: A Name Synonymous with Excellence

The player who holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or Féminin awards is Alexia Putellas. She is a Spanish midfielder, a captain for FC Barcelona Femení, and a pivotal player for the Spain national team. Her career has been marked by consistent brilliance and a remarkable ability to influence games from the middle of the park. She has, apparently, redefined what it means to be a central player.

Alexia's style of play is characterized by her exceptional vision, precise passing, goal-scoring ability, and strong leadership. She can dictate the tempo of a match, create chances, and score crucial goals. She is, quite simply, a complete footballer, and her performances have been consistently at the very highest level for years. It's almost as if she sees the game in slow motion, allowing her to make perfect decisions.

Biography of a Football Icon

Alexia Putellas has spent the majority of her club career with FC Barcelona, where she has achieved incredible success. She has been instrumental in their dominance in both domestic and European competitions. Her journey to the top has been a steady climb, built on hard work and a deep passion for the game. She started playing football at a young age, like many professionals, and her talent was evident early on.

Her story is, in a way, a testament to perseverance. She has overcome challenges and injuries, always returning stronger. This commitment to her craft is a big part of why she stands out. She has, quite literally, become a symbol of her club and country's footballing aspirations.

Her Unprecedented Wins

Alexia Putellas has won the Ballon d'Or Féminin not once, but twice. This makes her the only female player to have achieved this remarkable feat, setting a new record. Her back-to-back wins are a clear indication of her sustained dominance and impact on the sport. It's, to be honest, an incredible achievement in such a competitive field.

The First Triumph: 2021

Alexia Putellas won her first Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2021. This award recognized her outstanding performances during the 2020-2021 season, where she led FC Barcelona to a historic treble. They won the Primera División, the Copa de la Reina, and, significantly, the UEFA Women's Champions League. Her individual statistics were also exceptional, with numerous goals and assists from midfield. She was, quite simply, everywhere on the pitch, influencing every play.

Her role in Barcelona's success was undeniable. She was the driving force, the creative spark, and a consistent goal threat. This win cemented her status as the world's best player at that time. It was a moment of immense pride for her, her club, and Spanish football, and stuff.

The Repeat Performance: 2022

Despite facing a serious knee injury that ruled her out of the UEFA Women's Euro 2022, Alexia Putellas still managed to secure her second consecutive Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2022. This win was largely based on her phenomenal performances in the first half of the year, before her injury. She continued to lead Barcelona, reaching the Champions League final again and maintaining her high level of play domestically. It was, arguably, a win that showed her sustained excellence even when faced with adversity.

The voting for the award considers a player's full year, and her contributions prior to the injury were so significant that they warranted another win. This repeat victory truly solidified her place in history as the player with the most Ballon d'Or Féminin awards. It was, in a way, a testament to her enduring quality and impact.

What Made Her Stand Out?

Alexia Putellas stands out for several reasons. Her technical skill is absolutely top-tier, allowing her to control the ball, make precise passes, and shoot with power. Her football intelligence is also very high, enabling her to read the game, find space, and make the right decisions under pressure. She's, you know, just incredibly smart on the field.

Beyond her individual abilities, her leadership qualities are also very strong. As a captain, she inspires her teammates and sets an example through her work ethic and determination. She has a winning mentality that permeates the teams she plays for. This combination of skill, intelligence, and leadership is what truly sets her apart and has led to her record-breaking success. She's, frankly, a generational talent.

Alexia Putellas: Personal Details and Bio Data

Here's a quick look at some key details about Alexia Putellas, the record holder for the most Ballon d'Or Féminin awards. This information helps us get a better sense of the person behind the extraordinary athlete, you know.

Detail	Information
Full Name	Alexia Putellas Segura
Date of Birth	February 4, 1994
Place of Birth	Mollet del Vallès, Spain
Nationality	Spanish
Height	1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position	Midfielder
Current Club	FC Barcelona Femení
Senior Career Debut	2010
Ballon d'Or Féminin Wins	2 (2021, 2022)

The Impact of Her Achievements

Alexia Putellas's unprecedented success, particularly her two Ballon d'Or wins, has had a profound impact on women's football. Her achievements have gone beyond personal glory, contributing significantly to the growth and visibility of the sport globally. It's, like, a really big deal for the game as a whole.

Inspiring a Generation

When a player like Alexia Putellas achieves such high honors, she becomes a massive inspiration for young girls and aspiring footballers around the world. Seeing her lift the golden ball shows them that it's possible to reach the very top in women's football. Her story encourages more girls to take up the sport, pursue their dreams, and work hard. She is, in a way, a living example of what dedication can achieve.

Her visibility helps to normalize the idea of women as professional athletes, breaking down traditional barriers and stereotypes. This is, you know, incredibly important for the future of the sport. It helps create a pathway for the next generation of talent, showing them a clear path to success.

Elevating Women's Football Globally

The recognition of players like Alexia Putellas through awards like the Ballon d'Or Féminin brings more media attention and public interest to women's football. This increased exposure helps to grow fan bases, attract sponsorships, and encourage investment in the sport. It helps to elevate the game's status on a global scale. It's, basically, a virtuous cycle where success breeds more success and recognition.

Her wins have put women's football on front pages and in mainstream conversations, which is crucial for its continued development. This kind of spotlight helps to showcase the quality and excitement of the women's game to a wider audience. It makes people realize, you know, just how compelling it can be.

The Role of Club and Country

Alexia's success is also a reflection of the strong foundations laid by her club, FC Barcelona, and the progress of the Spanish national team. Barcelona has invested heavily in its women's section, creating a professional environment that fosters talent and achieves consistent success. This club support is, in fact, a vital component of individual player development and team triumphs. Learn more about FC Barcelona Femení on our site.

Her performances for Spain have also been crucial, even with the challenges faced. The growth of national teams is key to the global appeal of women's football, and star players like Alexia are at the forefront of this. Their presence on the international stage helps to raise the profile of their respective countries in the sport. It's, quite literally, a team effort that produces individual stars.

Other Notable Stars in Women's Football

While Alexia Putellas holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or Féminin awards, she is certainly not the only incredible talent in women's football. The sport is filled with many exceptional players who have also won the award or have been strong contenders. It's a very competitive field, as you might imagine.

Past Winners and Contenders

The first-ever Ballon d'Or Féminin was won by Ada Hegerberg in 2018, a Norwegian striker for Olympique Lyonnais. Megan Rapinoe, the American forward, won it in 2019. More recently, Aitana Bonmatí, also of FC Barcelona, claimed the award in 2023. These players represent the diverse talent and different playing styles that have been recognized at the highest level. They are, in a way, pioneers of the award.

Many other players have consistently been on the shortlist, showing the depth of talent available. Names like Sam Kerr, Lucy Bronze, and Jenni Hermoso are always in the conversation, demonstrating their consistent high performance. It's, frankly, a joy to watch so many gifted athletes compete.

The Depth of Talent

The fact that so many different players from various countries and clubs are consistently performing at such a high level shows the incredible depth of talent in women's football today. This competition pushes everyone to be better and makes the sport more exciting for fans. It's, you know, a really good sign for the future of the game.

The pool of potential Ballon d'Or winners seems to grow each year, which is a fantastic development. This indicates that women's football is thriving and producing more world-class athletes than ever before. It's a pretty exciting time to be a fan, to be honest.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Ballon d'Or Féminin

The Ballon d'Or Féminin has quickly established itself as the premier individual award in women's football. Its future looks very bright, mirroring the rapid growth and increasing popularity of the sport itself. It will, apparently, continue to be a major highlight of the football calendar.

Who Might Be Next?

With the quality of players constantly improving, predicting the next winner of the Ballon d'Or Féminin is always a challenge. Players like Aitana Bonmatí, who recently won, and others like Salma Paralluelo, Linda Caicedo, and Lauren James are emerging as top contenders. The competition is, in fact, incredibly fierce, which is great for the fans.

New stars are always appearing on the scene, making each year's race for the award exciting and unpredictable. It will be interesting to see who can challenge Alexia Putellas's record in the years to come. It's, you know, something many people will be watching closely.

The Growing Stature of the Award

As women's football continues to gain more global recognition and investment, the stature of the Ballon d'Or Féminin will only continue to grow. It will become an even more coveted prize, symbolizing the pinnacle of a player's career. The award helps to solidify the achievements of women in sports on a global stage. It's, basically, a sign of progress for the entire sport.

The increased media coverage and public interest around the award ceremony itself also contribute to its importance. This attention helps to further promote women's football to new audiences. It's a vital tool for continuing the positive momentum in the sport, and you can learn more about its impact on global football by checking out this external link. We also have information on other significant women's football awards right here.

Common Questions About the Ballon d'Or Féminin

People often have a few questions about the Ballon d'Or Féminin, especially since it's a newer award compared to the men's version. Here are some common queries that fans often ask, you know, to clear things up.

FAQs

1. Who won the first women's Ballon d'Or?

The very first Ballon d'Or Féminin was awarded in 2018 to Ada Hegerberg. She is a talented Norwegian striker who plays for Olympique Lyonnais. Her win marked a historic moment for women's football, setting the stage for future recognitions. It was, in a way, a landmark occasion for the sport.

2. How many times has Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d'Or?

Alexia Putellas has won the Ballon d'Or Féminin two times. She secured her first award in 2021 and then won it again in 2022. This makes her the only female player to have won the award more than once, setting the current record. It's, frankly, an incredible feat of consistent excellence.

3. Is the Ballon d'Or Féminin the same as the men's award?

While both awards are called the "Ballon d'Or" and are presented by France Football, they are separate accolades for male and female players. The criteria and voting processes are very similar, but they recognize the best player in their respective categories. They are, in a way, parallel awards, each celebrating the top talent in their specific sphere of football.

So, there you have it, a look at which female has the most Ballon d'Or awards. Alexia Putellas stands alone with her two wins, a true testament to her skill, dedication, and leadership on the football pitch. Her achievements have not only brought her personal glory but have also played a significant role in elevating the status of women's football around the globe. It's a story of remarkable talent making a real difference in the sport, and it's, basically, a joy to witness.

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