Putellas wins third Ballon d'Or, first awarded to a Women's Super League player

Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas has won the women's Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award, equalling the record with her third trophy. The ceremony took place in London. Putellas now plays for London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League (WSL), England's top women's football division, so this is the first time a club from the competition can claim a winner of the prize.

Last season's achievements

The 32-year-old captained Barcelona to a quadruple of trophies last season, Champions League included. Across club and country she scored 26 goals and set up 15, including seven goals in the Champions League. Her 14-year spell at Barcelona ended in May.

In July she moved to London City Lionesses, a transfer described as one of the biggest in WSL history. In seven WSL appearances she has three goals and an assist.

The club's ambitions

London City Lionesses are owned by businesswoman Michele Kang, who also owns Washington Spirit in the United States and OL Lyonnes in France. The London side is the youngest of the three, at around seven years old. Kang's stated aim is to revolutionise the women's game, and Putellas is said to share that vision.

The team sits third in the WSL table and is on a five-game winning streak. Only Manchester City and Chelsea have scored more goals since the start of April. Under head coach Eder Maestre the side has developed, and Champions League qualification is regarded as a realistic target.

The article's author argues that Putellas could help attract new supporters and commercial partners to the league. Half of the WSL's clubs are based in London, within a 36-mile radius of each other.