Alexia Putellas has once again been crowned the queen of European club football, claiming the UEFA Women's Champions League Player of the Season award for the 2025-26 campaign. The Barcelona captain's stunning tally of seven goals and seven assists in just 11 appearances proved decisive as she ended the three-year reign of her teammate Aitana Bonmatí.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who previously won this accolade in 2022, orchestrated Barcelona's march to yet another continental title with a blend of creativity and finishing that no other player could match. Her 14 direct goal involvements were the highest in the competition, underlining her status as the most influential figure on the pitch.
Barcelona's triumph was a collective masterpiece, but Putellas stood at its heart. Whether gliding past defenders or delivering pinpoint crosses, she elevated a squad already brimming with world-class talent. Her ability to step up in critical moments, particularly in the knockout stages, drew widespread praise from pundits and fans alike.
The UEFA Team of the Tournament, released alongside the individual award, painted a vivid picture of Barcelona's supremacy. Five members of the reigning champions made the cut: goalkeeper Cata Coll, defender Mapi León, midfielders Patri Guijarro and Alexia Putellas, and forward Ewa Pajor. Such representation is a testament to the club's holistic dominance, from back to front.
Lyon, beaten 4-0 in the final, still managed to secure two spots in the elite eleven. Veteran defender Wendie Renard brought her trademark resilience, while Melchie Dumornay's dynamic midfield displays caught the selection panel's eye. Their inclusion provides a silver lining for OL, who face a transitional period after falling short on the grandest stage.
English champions Arsenal contributed full-back Emily Fox and striker Alessia Russo, reflecting their growing stature in the European game. Meanwhile, Pernille Harder's inclusion from Bayern Munich ensured that the Bundesliga had a voice, with the Danish international's relentless pressing and eye for goal impossible to ignore.
The composition of the team underscores Barcelona's philosophy: a seamless blend of technical mastery and tactical intelligence. With Mapi León dictating from the back and Putellas pulling strings further forward, this team echoes the dominant sides of Lyon's golden era, but with a distinct Catalan flair.
For the wider league, Putellas's return to the summit signals a shift in power dynamics. After Bonmatí's impeccable run, many wondered whether a new heir would emerge. Instead, the old guard has reasserted control, raising the bar for challengers like Chelsea, Wolfsburg, and emerging Italian clubs.
The implications ripple into the international arena as well. Putellas, a World Cup winner with Spain, will carry this momentum into a crucial qualifying cycle. Her form suggests she remains at the peak of her powers, a terrifying prospect for defenders worldwide.
Looking ahead, Barcelona's blueprint appears sustainable, yet history warns against complacency. Lyon will rebuild, Arsenal are on the rise, and the competition's growing depth promises fiercer contests. For now, though, the story belongs to Alexia Putellas, the undisputed best player in European women's football.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.