Barcelona star Alexia Putellas has devoted her Ballon d’Or Feminin triumph to her late father, who sadly handed away virtually a decade in the past when she was simply a youngster.
Putellas grew to become solely the third ever feminine recipient of the Ballon d’Or on Monday night time on the 2021 ceremony in Paris, following within the footsteps of Ada Hegerberg and Megan Rapinoe.
Having been the central determine in Barcelona’s 2020/21 success – together with a primary Champions League triumph – she was at all times the clear favorite to win and fended off competitors from Chelsea striker Sam Kerr and Blaugrana and Spain teammate Jenni Hermoso.
On stage, she was grateful to her colleague, coaches, followers and household, showcasing a humble aspect when she insisted it was ‘unquestionably a workforce prize’.
“I wish to thank my teammates,” she mentioned.
“That is a person award however it’s unquestionably a workforce prize. To all of the coaches which have believed in me, the followers, who I hope proceed to take pleasure in what we do, the membership, on its 122nd anniversary, and the future that has introduced me to elevate this trophy right now…and to my household.”
However the individual she wished to dedicate the award to was her father Jaume, who handed away in 2012. Putellas had solely lately turned 18 on the time and was about to characterize Spain within the Beneath-19 European Championship that summer season.
“I hope you’re happy with your daughter. That is for you daddy, wherever you’re,” she mentioned.
Regardless of her household being extra into basketball when she was younger, Putellas has beforehand credited her father with introducing her to soccer and making her profession potential by taking her to each day coaching periods.
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