Spain's and FC Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati with the Ballon d'Or. Photo: Reuters
Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati on Monday clinched her second consecutive women's Ballon d'Or, following a stellar season that saw her lead her club to an unprecedented quadruple of titles and secure the Nations League with her national team. At 26, the playmaker joins teammate Alexia Putellas as the only women to have won the prestigious award twice since its inception in 2018.
"This achievement is not possible alone; I am fortunate to be surrounded by players who elevate my game daily," Bonmati remarked upon receiving the accolade. "Gratitude to the staff and club personnel; without your support, such success would not be attainable."
Already regarded as a legend in women's football, Bonmati was the standout performer as Barcelona dominated the 2023/24 season, capturing every trophy on offer—the Spanish league, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana, and a successive Women's Champions League title.
Spanish players Manchester City's Rodri and FC Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati with the Ballon d'Or. Photo: Reuters
Bonmati scored and delivered a player-of-the-match performance in Barcelona's 2-0 Champions League final victory over Lyon, securing their third title in four seasons. "It's our first win against Lyon. I'm proud of the team, and with our fans, we can't disappoint," she said, reflecting on the season's pinnacle moment witnessed by 51,000 spectators at Bilbao's San Mames stadium.
A graduate of Barcelona's esteemed La Masia academy, the midfielder was also honored as UEFA's player of the season for her six goals and six assists during the European campaign. Her eight goals and 11 assists in Spain's Liga F were crucial in guiding Barcelona to their fifth consecutive league title.
The 2023 World Cup winner further enriched her resume with the inaugural Women's Nations League title in February, scoring Spain's opener in their 2-0 final win against France. She was again recognized by UEFA as the overall player of the finals for her contributions in the semi-finals and final.
A surprise semi-final defeat at the Olympics by Brazil was the only blemish preventing Bonmati from achieving an extraordinary six titles in one season. In April, she was named Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus Awards, the first footballer to receive the honor, and was celebrated alongside her Spain teammates for their World Cup triumph in August 2023.
Bonmati also garnered acclaim for her role in combating sexism within the Spanish football federation, protesting alongside her teammates after former president Luis Rubiales' inappropriate behavior towards player Jenni Hermoso.
"She epitomizes the ideal player. Her training ethic, attitude, and daily approach set a remarkable standard," former Barcelona coach Jonatan Giraldez commented in May. "I've witnessed her growth from the start of her career. I'm delighted to see her achievements, which she fully deserves."
The women's Ballon d'Or is awarded based on a shortlist of 30 players, voted upon by a panel of 50 international football journalists.
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