Aitana Bonmati, the talented 26-year-old playmaker from Barcelona and the Spanish national team, recently claimed her second consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or. This prestigious award recognizes her outstanding contributions to women’s football, particularly after leading Barcelona to an unprecedented continental quadruple of titles and helping her national team secure victory in the Nations League. Bonmati’s achievement places her in an elite category alongside her teammate Alexia Putellas, as they are the only two women to have won the Ballon d’Or twice since its inception in 2018. During her acceptance speech, Bonmati expressed deep gratitude towards her teammates, coaching staff, and club personnel for their unwavering support and collective effort, emphasizing that such accomplishments aren’t possible without collaboration and dedication.
Bonmati’s remarkable performances throughout the 2023/24 season have solidified her status as one of the all-time greats in women’s football. Barcelona had a remarkable year, winning every trophy they competed for, including their domestic league, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana, and the Women’s Champions League. Central to their success was Bonmati’s pivotal role, notably in the Champions League final, where she not only scored a crucial goal but also was recognized as the player of the match during their 2-0 victory over Lyon. This win marked a significant milestone, as it represented the first time Barcelona triumphed over Lyon, a dominant force in women’s football. Bonmati shared her pride in the team’s achievements and highlighted the importance of their passionate supporters.
Fondly known as a product of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, Bonmati’s natural talent has flourished over the years. She enjoyed a standout campaign in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, where she scored six goals and provided six assists, leading to her accolade as the UEFA Player of the Season. Her influence extended beyond European competition as she recorded eight goals and eleven assists in Spain’s Liga F, playing an integral part in securing Barcelona’s fifth consecutive league title. Furthermore, Bonmati’s stellar performance at the international level was underscored by her significant contribution to Spain’s inaugural Women’s Nations League victory, where she scored the opening goal in their final match against France.
Despite her incredible successes, Bonmati’s pursuit of perfection was narrowly thwarted by a surprising defeat in the Olympics semi-final against Brazil, which denied her the chance to achieve a remarkable six titles with both club and country in a single season. This limitation did not diminish her remarkable accomplishments, as she was further recognized for her achievements in April, when she was awarded the Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus Awards, notably being the first footballer to receive this honor. Her exemplary performances helped elevate women’s football’s profile, and her contributions were paramount in leading Spain to their Women’s World Cup triumph in August 2023.
Off the field, Bonmati has emerged as a powerful figure in combating sexism within the Spanish football federation. She, along with her teammates, took a stand against the former president Luis Rubiales after an incident involving the unwanted kiss of player Jenni Hermoso, positioning herself as a role model for aspiring athletes. Her dedication to not only excellence in play but also advocacy for change is commendable, and such actions have further endeared her to fans and colleagues alike. Jonatan Giraldez, her former coach at Barcelona, praised her work ethic, commitment, and exemplary approach to the sport, noting that her growth and achievements are well-deserved.
The women’s Ballon d’Or is awarded based on the votes of a panel of 50 international football journalists, who draw from a shortlist of 30 players. Bonmati’s recognition through this award not only cements her status in football history but also highlights the increasing visibility and respect for women’s sports on a global scale. As the landscape of women’s football continues to evolve, Aitana Bonmati stands as a shining example of talent, determination, and advocacy, inspiring future generations of female athletes to strive for greatness both on and off the pitch.
