In the midst of Parisian glamor, Aitana Bonmatí once again etched her name into the headlines. As she stepped onto the stage to claim her second Ballon d'Or Féminin, the Spanish icon solidified her status as a dominant force in women's football. It was fitting that she received her award from Natalie Portman, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the event. The 26-year-old midfield maestro continued to shine as Barcelona ruled the European scene. Last year, I noted that watching her play is a privilege, and that sentiment remains unchanged. Throughout the previous season, she was pivotal in her club's success, securing every domestic trophy (Liga F, Copa de la Reina, and Supercopa) and adding another Champions League title to her collection. She was also named UWCL Player of the Season. Additionally, Spain's triumph in the inaugural Nations League, with Bonmatí earning the player of the match award in the final against France, further highlighted her prowess.
Bonmatí acknowledged her teammates in her acceptance speech, emphasizing that individual success is a team effort. "I always say this is not something you can do alone," she stated. "I'm fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful players who help me grow as a player." This year, her teammates posed a formidable challenge, with Barcelona players securing the top three spots. Caroline Graham Hansen came in second, and Salma Paralluelo third, showcasing the depth of talent in the sport. Graham Hansen, in particular, would have been a worthy winner, with her impressive performances for Barcelona, including 32 goals and 28 assists in 40 matches. However, her national team's results on the world stage slightly lag behind Bonmatí's.
As women's football continues to thrive, the introduction of the women's coach of the year award was long overdue and much appreciated. Emma Hayes stands out as a unique figure in the women's game. After a decade-long tenure at Chelsea, where she won seven WSL titles, she took over the US team and led them to Olympic gold in just 84 days. Barcelona's Jonatan Giráldez, despite guiding his team to a clean sweep of trophies, might feel slightly overshadowed by Hayes' remarkable achievements.
The ceremony also recognized Barcelona as club of the year and Jenni Hermoso with the Sócrates Award for her humanitarian efforts, particularly her bravery following the Luis Rubiales World Cup incident. However, issues with the Ballon d'Or persist, with the timing of the ceremony during an international break preventing many top players and coaches from attending. Additionally, the lack of awards for goalkeepers, young players, and top scorers highlights the need for better representation in women's football.
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