A rough patch

The peak was abruptly snatched away in July 2022. Just as she was dominating world football in the colours of FC Barcelona, the midfielder was brought to a sudden halt by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee. A major injury that kept her off the pitch for many months.

Beyond the physical pain, the ordeal was above all a mental one. Accustomed to dictating the tempo at the very highest level, Alexia Putellas had to rebuild everything from scratch: walking, running, and then the slow process of rediscovering her game. She opened up about this challenge after receiving her third gold medal:

“After my injury, I got back to the level I’d set myself.”

A triumph of resilience

This return to the forefront was by no means instantaneous. It required unwavering patience, an acceptance of moments of doubt and a refusal to constantly compare herself to the player she was before her operation.

Now playing for the London City Lionesses, the Catalan has finally regained her full form and climbed back to the top of the world. More than just another entry on an already impressive list of honours, this third Ballon d'Or feels like a victory over herself. It is striking proof that whilst a serious injury may slow a player’s progress, it can never extinguish the determination of a true champion.