Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati made history by winning her second consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or on Monday, following an extraordinary season in which she led her club to a historic continental quadruple and secured the Nations League title with her national team. At just 26 years old, Bonmati joins her teammate Alexia Putellas as the only women to win the Ballon d’Or twice since its inception in 2018.
- Historic Achievement: Bonmati’s recognition as a two-time Ballon d’Or winner underscores her immense talent and contributions to women’s football, making her a standout figure in the sport.
- Team Success: Over the past season, Bonmati was instrumental in Barcelona’s remarkable success, helping the team clinch every available trophy, including the Spanish league, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de España, and a second consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
- Champions League Performance: In the Champions League final against Lyon, she scored a crucial goal and delivered a player-of-the-match performance, leading her team to a 2-0 victory—an emotional milestone as it marked the first time Barcelona had defeated Lyon in a final.
- Recognition of Contributions: After receiving the Ballon d’Or, Bonmati emphasized the collective effort behind her success, expressing gratitude to her teammates, coaching staff, and club workers. “This cannot be achieved alone; I am very lucky to be surrounded by players who make me better every day,” she stated.
- Impressive Stats: Bonmati’s impact on the field was undeniable. She was named UEFA Player of the Season, contributing six goals and six assists during the European campaign. In Spain’s Liga F, she recorded eight goals and 11 assists, further solidifying her role in Barcelona’s fifth consecutive league title.
- International Triumphs: Bonmati also added the inaugural Women’s Nations League to her accolades, scoring Spain’s opening goal in the final against France. Her exceptional performances earned her recognition as UEFA’s overall player of the finals.
- Near Perfection: Despite her numerous achievements, a surprising semifinal defeat in the Olympics against Brazil prevented Bonmati from potentially securing an extraordinary six titles for both club and country in a single season.
- Advocacy and Role Model: Beyond her on-field prowess, Bonmati has also been a vocal advocate for change, protesting against sexism in the Spanish football federation following the incident involving former president Luis Rubiales and player Jenni Hermoso. Her commitment to equality and integrity in sports has made her a role model for aspiring athletes.
- Coaching Praise: Jonatan Giraldez, her former coach at Barcelona, praised her dedication and growth, stating, “She sets a great example. I’ve watched her grow, and she deserves everything that’s happening to her.”
Aitana Bonmati’s remarkable journey not only highlights her exceptional skills and achievements but also her role as a trailblazer in women’s football. As she continues to break barriers and inspire future generations, her legacy is firmly cemented as one of the all-time greats in the sport.
