Barcelona Femeni star Alexia Putellas won Ballon d’Or for the second year in a row

Barcelona Femeni star Alexia Putellas became the first woman to win the Ballon d’Or two years in a row. The 28-year-old Spaniard did a double on the home stage, scoring 18 goals and 15 assists. She also became the top scorer in the Champions League with 11 goals in 10 games, but her team lost the final of the tournament to Lyon.

“I am very happy to be here. I am proud of my achievement, but it would not have been possible without my teammates. Thanks to the coaches who help me get better every day, the club, the president, and the executives. I am honored to be part of Barcelona. I am Catalan and I love our club”, said Alexia Putellas at the ceremony in Paris. “I also want to thank my family. We went through difficult times together because of my severe injury. I’m sorry that I won’t be able to play soon, but I hope that after my recovery I’ll be even better”, added she.

The Spaniard broke her leg the day before the start of the European Championship, and in her absence, her teammates reached the semi-finals but lost to future champions England.

“I congratulate England on the European title. Their success has made a huge contribution to the overall rise of women’s football”, said Alexia Putellas, who received her award from Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko.