Joan Laporta hails Barcelona as 'most awarded club' at Ballon d'Or ceremony

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken of his pride that the Blaugrana were the 'most awarded club' at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Alexia Putellas won her second successive Ballon d'Or Feminin - beating Arsenal's Beth Mead to the gong by one vote - Gavi succeeded Pedri in winning the Kopa Trophy, and Robert Lewandowski claimed the Gerd Muller Trophy (though this was handed out for his contributions at Bayern Munich and the Poland national team last season).

Laporta was spotted in the audience welling up as Barcelona's cohort received their awards, and speaking to Barça TV after the ceremony, he detailed how momentous this was for the club.

"We are the most awarded club," Laporta began. "To see Gavi being recognised and shouting 'Visca el Barça', to Alexia who shows pride everywhere and to Lewandowski winning the award for best scorer.

"It is an event where Barça is present, we are one of the most nominated clubs and I am very proud of these players who make Barça 'more than a club' and make us go for the world with our head held high."

Laporta was particularly keen to heap further praise on Putellas after she became the first multi-time winner of the Ballon d'Or Feminin.

"She has a leadership capacity and to move and show her pride in being from Barça, which as president I thank her very much for," he added. "And in her speech has shown the greatness of our club, of a person like her who stood out playing football since she was a child.

"It is her second Ballon d'Or and it is very important for her, for her family who was also very excited and for all of us who were excited for her and for Barça. She is extraordinary and it is an honour to have her at the club."

On the metaphorical and literal passing of the Kopa Trophy torch from Pedri to Gavi, Laporta said: "When I saw the two of them together, I was moved because I love Barça and these young players.

"Last year it was won by Pedri and this year he has given it to Gavi. He is a boy who endears himself, a very restless and vigorous man and he shows it in all his performances. He has been very good, with words very well said, like Barça was the club of his life and a very emotional 'Visca el Barça'.

"We have the responsibility to help them achieve the maximum achievements, which they are achieving and now the collective successes are missing."