Which Female Player Has Won The Most Ballon D'Or? Unpacking The Golden Ball Legacy
Football, often called the beautiful game, has a way of captivating hearts and minds across the globe. For players, and really for fans, there are few individual honors quite like the Ballon d'Or. It's that shimmering golden ball, presented each year, that truly marks someone as the very best in the world. It’s a moment of incredible pride, a recognition of skill, dedication, and pure brilliance on the pitch.
For a long time, this prestigious award felt almost exclusively tied to the men's game. But, as a matter of fact, women's football has grown in leaps and bounds, gaining so much deserved attention and respect. With this amazing growth came the creation of the Ballon d'Or Féminin, a specific award designed to celebrate the outstanding female athletes who light up the sport.
This new era has, understandably, sparked a lot of curiosity. People want to know who stands at the pinnacle, who has managed to lift that coveted golden ball more than anyone else in the women's game. It's a question that gets to the heart of individual excellence in a sport that continues to break barriers and inspire millions, and we're here to talk about that very thing.
Table of Contents
- Alexia Putellas: The Current Record Holder of the Ballon d'Or Féminin
- Understanding the Ballon d'Or Féminin: A Recent History
- Marta Vieira da Silva: A Legacy of Individual Accolades (Clarifying the Record)
- The Evolution of Women's Football Awards
- Looking Ahead: Who Might Challenge for the Golden Ball Next?
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Women's Ballon d'Or
Alexia Putellas: The Current Record Holder of the Ballon d'Or Féminin
When you ask which female player has won the most Ballon d'Or awards, the name that truly stands out right now is Alexia Putellas. This incredibly talented midfielder, who captains FC Barcelona and plays for Spain, has managed to secure the Ballon d'Or Féminin not once, but twice. She first won the honor in 2021, and then, rather impressively, she retained it on October 17, 2022, marking her second consecutive win.
Her dominance during those years was, quite frankly, astonishing. She didn't just win the Ballon d'Or Féminin; in 2021, she became the first player, male or female, to win all three major individual awards in the same year. That includes the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year award, the Ballon d’Or Féminin itself, and The Best FIFA Women’s Player award. It's a testament to her sheer talent and consistency, really.
Putellas's style of play is something special, too. She's known for her incredible vision, her ability to score goals from midfield, and her leadership on the pitch. She's a player who can control the tempo of a game, deliver precise passes, and also pop up with crucial goals. Her influence on Barcelona's success, and for the Spanish national team, is just immense. She really sets the standard, you know, for what a modern midfielder can be.
Alexia Putellas's Personal Details and Career Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alexia Putellas Segura |
| Date of Birth | February 4, 1994 |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Club | FC Barcelona (Captain) |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Ballon d'Or Féminin Wins | 2 (2021, 2022) |
| Other Major Awards (2021) | UEFA Women's Player of the Year, The Best FIFA Women's Player |
| Key Attributes | Vision, Passing, Goal-scoring, Leadership |
Understanding the Ballon d'Or Féminin: A Recent History
It's important to remember that the Ballon d'Or Féminin is a relatively new award. France Football, the magazine that presents the Golden Ball, first introduced the women's version in 2018. This was a really significant step, marking a dedicated effort to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible achievements of female footballers on the global stage. Before this, there were other prestigious awards, like the FIFA World Player of the Year, but this specific "Golden Ball" for women was a fresh start.
The inaugural Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2018 went to Ada Hegerberg, a fantastic forward from Norway. Then, in 2019, the dynamic American forward Megan Rapinoe took home the prize. After a pause in 2020 due to global circumstances, Alexia Putellas claimed her back-to-back victories in 2021 and 2022. Most recently, in 2023, another Spanish sensation, Aitana Bonmatí, was recognized for her outstanding season. Each winner, in their own way, has left an indelible mark on the sport, showing just how much talent there is.
The creation of this award really underscored the growing professionalism and visibility of women's football. It gave female players a platform to be recognized on the same level as their male counterparts for this particular award. It's a clear signal that soccer isn't just a men's game; it's a sport for everyone, and the women playing it deserve every bit of the spotlight and recognition, which is really something to see.
Marta Vieira da Silva: A Legacy of Individual Accolades (Clarifying the Record)
Now, you might have heard the name Marta Vieira da Silva mentioned when talking about the most individual awards in women's football. And you'd be absolutely right to think of her as a legend. She is, quite simply, one of the greatest players of all time. My text mentions her winning "a record sixth" award, and that she was the "youngest winner" at age 20 in 2006, followed by "five years in a row from 2006 until 2010." This is very true, but it refers to a different, though equally prestigious, award: the FIFA World Player of the Year.
The Ballon d'Or Féminin, as we just discussed, only began in 2018. So, while Marta has an unparalleled record of six FIFA World Player of the Year awards (in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and then again in 2018), these were not the Ballon d'Or Féminin. It's a common point of confusion, actually, given the similar nature of these top individual honors. The FIFA World Player of the Year was a highly respected award that recognized the best female player globally, and Marta's dominance there is truly historic.
Marta's impact on women's football cannot be overstated. She's often called "Pelé in skirts" in her home country of Brazil, which is a huge compliment. Her incredible dribbling skills, her flair, and her consistent goal-scoring ability made her a force to be reckoned with for well over a decade. She inspired countless young girls to play the game and showed the world the beauty and excitement of women's football. So, while Alexia Putellas holds the record for the Ballon d'Or Féminin specifically, Marta remains a towering figure in the history of individual football honors, with her own remarkable collection of golden accolades.
The Evolution of Women's Football Awards
The journey of recognizing individual excellence in women's football has, in a way, mirrored the growth of the sport itself. For many years, women's football struggled for visibility and investment. But thanks to the tireless efforts of players, coaches, and advocates, it has blossomed into a global phenomenon. The introduction of the Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2018 was, truly, a pivotal moment in this evolution.
Before 2018, the most prominent individual award for female players was typically the FIFA World Player of the Year, which later merged into The Best FIFA Women's Player award. These awards were crucial for acknowledging talent, but the Ballon d'Or, with its long history and iconic status in the men's game, brought a new level of prestige and attention to women's football. It's almost as if the sport finally got its equivalent of a Hollywood Oscar, you know?
The existence of the Ballon d'Or Féminin sends a powerful message. It tells young girls around the world that their dreams of becoming professional footballers are valid and that their achievements will be celebrated on the grandest stages. It also highlights the incredible talent depth in the women's game, showcasing players from various leagues and countries. This increased recognition, in turn, helps to attract more fans, more investment, and more opportunities for women in football, which is something we can all appreciate.
The ceremonies themselves, too, have become major events. Seeing the top female players walk the red carpet alongside their male counterparts, being celebrated for their skill and dedication, is a truly inspiring sight. It helps to break down old stereotypes and shows that football is, very much, a sport for everyone. This progression, honestly, feels like a natural step in a world that is increasingly recognizing the importance of equality in sports.
Looking Ahead: Who Might Challenge for the Golden Ball Next?
The excitement around the Ballon d'Or Féminin continues to build with each passing year. As we look towards future awards, perhaps for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, there's already a buzz about who might be nominated and who could potentially lift the trophy. The landscape of women's football is incredibly competitive, with new stars emerging all the time and established players continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible. For example, Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas's teammate at Barcelona, is certainly a strong contender, having won the award in 2023. She's a phenomenal talent, no doubt about it.
The competition for the Ballon d'Or Féminin is fierce, which is great for the sport. Players like Sam Kerr, Salma Paralluelo, and many others are consistently delivering top-tier performances for their clubs and national teams. The quality of play in leagues around the world, like Spain's Liga F, England's Women's Super League, and the NWSL in the United States, is just getting better and better. This means that the pool of potential Ballon d'Or winners is constantly expanding, which is very exciting for fans.
It's also worth noting that the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony itself has become a huge global event. This year, in 2024, for instance, there's been a lot of talk about who will be nominated, and even, apparently, that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were left off the men's nominee list for the first time since 2003. This kind of chatter just shows the immense interest in these awards, both for men and women. The anticipation for who will be named the best in the world is a big part of the football calendar, and it helps to shine a brighter light on all the incredible athletes in the game.
The continued growth of women's football means we're likely to see even more incredible players vying for this top honor in the years to come. Each winner not only gets to hold that golden ball but also inspires the next generation of athletes. It's a cycle of excellence that keeps pushing the sport forward, which is a truly wonderful thing to witness.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Women's Ballon d'Or
Who won the first Women's Ballon d'Or?
The very first Ballon d'Or Féminin was awarded in 2018. The winner was Ada Hegerberg, a talented forward from Norway who played for Olympique Lyonnais at the time. Her win marked a significant moment for women's football, as it established a dedicated Golden Ball award for female players, which was a long time coming for many.
How many times has Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d'Or Féminin?
Alexia Putellas has won the Ballon d'Or Féminin twice. She received the award in consecutive years, first in 2021 and then again in 2022. This makes her the current record holder for the most Ballon d'Or Féminin wins since the award's inception in 2018, which is a truly remarkable feat for any player.
Is the Ballon d'Or Féminin the same as the FIFA World Player of the Year award?
No, they are not the same award, though both are highly prestigious individual honors in football. The Ballon d'Or Féminin is presented by France Football magazine and began in 2018. The FIFA World Player of the Year award was an earlier accolade presented by FIFA, which later merged into The Best FIFA Women's Player award. While both recognize the best player, they are distinct awards with different histories and selection processes, and it's important to keep that in mind.
So, as we've explored, Alexia Putellas currently holds the distinction of having won the most Ballon d'Or Féminin awards, with two to her name. While legendary players like Marta have an incredible collection of other top individual honors, the specific Golden Ball for women, first awarded in 2018, is a newer chapter in football's history. It's a fantastic time for women's football, and the Ballon d'Or Féminin truly celebrates the very best in the game. Learn more about Ballon d'Or history on our site, and to truly appreciate the incredible talent, you can also explore
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