Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati has won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the second time, equaling her club and international teammate Alexia Putellas. At 26, this accolade reflects her outstanding skills and achievements both at the club and international levels, reinforcing her status as a leading player in womenβs football.
In the past year, Aitana Bonmati played a pivotal role in helping Barcelona secure a remarkable Liga F and UEFA Women’s Champions League double. Her contributions were instrumental in the teamβs success, and she proved herself to be a crucial asset throughout the season. Notably, she scored the opening goal against Lyon in the Champions League final, an accomplishment that not only highlighted her scoring ability but also her capacity to perform under pressure in critical matches.
Furthermore, her accolades did not stop at the club level. Bonmati also made a significant impact with the Spanish national team, where her remarkable performances were crucial in leading Spain to victory in the UEFA Nations League. In a high-stakes matchup against France, she scored one of the goals in a dominant 2-0 victory, reinforcing her status as a key player in high-pressure situations.
Her outstanding year was recognized in the competition for the Ballon d’Or Feminin, where she faced tough contenders, including fellow Barcelona team-mate Caroline Graham Hansen, Ada Hegerberg, and Mallory Swanson. Ultimately, her impressive individual statistics, such as scoring eight goals and providing 11 assists in Liga F, coupled with her clutch performances in international fixtures, underscored her worthiness of the award.
With this victory, Bonmati became the sixth player to achieve this esteemed accolade, joining the ranks of Alexia Putellas, who claimed the prize in 2021 and 2022, after previous winners Ada Hegerberg and Megan Rapinoe, who took home the first two awards in 2018 and 2019, respectively. This recognition serves as a significant milestone not only in Bonmatiβs career but also in the growth of women’s football, as it shines a spotlight on the talent and dedication present in the sport.
In addition, three notable English playersβLauren Hemp, Lucy Bronze, and Lauren Jamesβwere nominated for the award, highlighting the competitive nature of womenβs football. The increasing recognition of female athletes at such events signifies the progress being made in the sport, and itβs an encouraging sign for the future of womenβs football as more players continue to emerge on the international scene.
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