Alexia Putellas Eyes Euro 2025 Glory and Historic Ballon d’Or Feminin Hat-Trick

Barcelona and Spain legend ready to complete her comeback on the grandest stage

When Alexia Putellas takes the pitch for Spain this summer at Euro 2025, it won’t just be another tournament for the Barcelona icon. It’s a culmination of years of dominance, a painful injury comeback, and perhaps—just perhaps—a final flourish in her bid to become the first player in history to win the Ballon d’Or Feminin three times.

The 31-year-old midfield maestro has already left her mark on the sport, but her story isn’t finished yet. Not even close.

A Reign Interrupted

Putellas was, for a time, untouchable. In 2021 and 2022, she was crowned the best female footballer in the world—back-to-back Ballon d’Or Feminin titles confirming what fans had long believed: she was in a class of her own.

Then, on the eve of Euro 2022, disaster struck. A torn ACL in training robbed her of a chance to lead Spain in the tournament, and worse, it kept her out of action for nearly a full year. The road back was long, grueling, and uncertain.

For most athletes, an injury of that magnitude would be career-altering. For Putellas, it became a challenge to overcome.

“I came from the lowest of the lows,” she said in a recent interview, reflecting on her time away from the game. “You work every day to recover, to get your body right, but also your mind. It takes everything.”

Back to Her Best at Barcelona

FC Barcelona v Hammarby IF – UEFA Women’s Champions League 2024/25 Group Stage MD2 putellas

Since returning to full fitness, Putellas has wasted little time reminding the world just who she is. In the 2024-25 season, she found the back of the net 17 times for Barcelona, adding a creative spark and veteran leadership that fueled another dominant campaign.

While many wondered whether she could reach the same heights after injury, she’s answered emphatically. Her movement, vision, and ability to dictate tempo have all returned. She’s become the heartbeat of Barça’s midfield once again.

The success hasn’t stopped at club level either. Putellas has slotted seamlessly back into Spain’s setup, helping La Roja win the UEFA Nations League earlier this year—a trophy that had previously eluded them.

Euro 2025: The Missing Piece

Alexia Putellas Spain Women 2025

With a World Cup medal from 2023 and now a Nations League title in her collection, only one major prize remains: the European Championship.

Euro 2025, held in Switzerland, presents the perfect opportunity for Putellas to complete the set. And make no mistake—she’s focused.

“I’m not thinking about individual awards right now,” she insisted. “Winning the Euros, that’s the goal. That’s all that matters. The Ballon d’Or? We’ll see. If it happens, it happens. But that’s not the motivation.”

Still, it’s impossible to ignore the possibility. No woman has ever won the Ballon d’Or Feminin three times. Should Putellas guide Spain to continental glory, it would be difficult for voters to look anywhere else.

Leading by Example

Putellas‘ influence on the Spanish national team cannot be overstated. Her presence in midfield brings structure, her leadership brings calm, and her experience is invaluable to a team brimming with young talent.

Spain now boast a dynamic mix—young stars like Salma Paralluelo and Aitana Bonmatí complementing the experience of Putellas and Irene Paredes. It’s a team that looks ready to contend.

“She’s our leader,” said coach Montse Tomé earlier this year. “What she brings to this squad goes far beyond goals or assists. She sets the tone in everything we do.”

More Than Just Football

Off the pitch, Putellas continues to be a powerful voice in the women’s game. Her advocacy for better conditions, equality, and visibility has helped shape the landscape of Spanish football. She was instrumental during the 2023 World Cup in supporting player demands for improved federation standards.

That leadership, both on and off the pitch, only adds to her legend.

A Legacy in the Making

Whether or not she lifts the Ballon d’Or again or adds another trophy to her cabinet this summer, one thing is clear—Alexia Putellas is already a giant of the game.

But the fire still burns. She’s not playing for accolades anymore. She’s playing because, after everything—injury setbacks, pressure, expectation—she still loves the game.

“The important thing is to win,” she said again, a phrase she returns to often. “To win with this team, for this country—that would mean everything.”

What Comes Next?

Spain open their Euro 2025 campaign next week with momentum on their side. They’re considered one of the tournament favorites, and with Putellas fit and firing, few would bet against them.

The football world will be watching. Not just to see if Spain can lift the trophy, but to witness whether one of the greatest players in the history of the women’s game can complete her journey—from devastation to dominance—by writing one more historic chapter.

Will it be enough for a third Ballon d’Or Feminin? That’s a question for another day.

For now, all that matters to Alexia Putellas is the here and now—and the chance to lead Spain to glory.