Former France international defender Adil Rami was criticised on social media after he sharply criticised Alexia Putellas following her speech at the 2026 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony. Putellas won the Ballon d'Or last Monday for the third time in her career.
Putellas speech at the ceremony
GOAL reported that Putellas currently plays for London City. GOAL reported that she used the ceremony to reflect on her career and the struggles she faced after a serious knee injury.
Putellas said: "I remember the times when my leg failed me, when I learned to walk again, to run again, and to kick a ball."
Tribute to former team-mates
Putellas paid tribute to her former Barcelona team-mates. GOAL reported that Putellas won La Liga, the Copa de la Reina, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League last season with her former Barcelona team-mates.
Rami remarks on Twitch
GOAL reported that Putellas's speech ran far too long for Rami, the 2018 World Cup winner, who made no attempt to hide his views on Twitch. The former Valencia, Milan and Sevilla defender said: "Alexia Putellas began speaking, it was funny, but man, turn the microphone down, just turn the damn microphone down."
The former Valencia, Milan and Sevilla defender continued: "Alexia Putellas, why? Damn it, if you want to talk, then no problem, go home, set up a place like ours, and use the microphone for yourself."
Reaction online
GOAL reported that many internet users accused Rami of misogyny, citing the Foot Mercato network. GOAL reported that others pointed out Harry Kane spoke for 3 minutes longer than Putellas when collecting his Ballon d'Or award and did not draw the same comment from Rami.
