Aitana Bonmati Named FIFA Best Women’s Player of the Year

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has been named the women’s player of the year at the Fifa Best Awards for the second consecutive year, solidifying her status as one of the leading figures in women’s football. At just 26 years of age, Bonmati has emerged as a vital component of both her club and national team.

In 2023, she played a pivotal role in the Spain team that triumphed in the Women’s World Cup, contributing significantly to the team’s success throughout the tournament. Her exceptional performance earned her the prestigious Golden Ball award, highlighting her as the best player among her peers during the competition. This accolade not only reflects her individual talent but also underscores her contributions to the collective achievements of her team.

In addition to her World Cup victory, Bonmati’s remarkable year included being awarded the women’s Ballon d’Or in both 2023 and 2024. Alongside these personal accolades, she was instrumental in leading Barcelona to victory in the Champions League in successive years, further cementing her legacy in the sport.

Expressing her gratitude for the honor, Bonmati stated, “I am grateful and proud to win this award. I’m very grateful for this award, but I always say that this is a team effort, with a Barca that won everything and the national team.” Her words resonate with the culture of teamwork and collaboration that defines both her club and the national side, where every member contributes to the shared success.

Last season, Bonmati achieved an incredible feat by winning every possible trophy at the club level, as Barcelona secured a historic quadruple. This included winning Liga F, the Champions League, Supercopa, and Copa de la Reina, an achievement that not only highlights the dominance of Barcelona in women’s football but also showcases Bonmati’s importance to the squad.

In a season filled with individual success, Bonmati also set a personal record, scoring a career-best tally of 19 goals across all four competitions. This impressive statistic further reflects her ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to her team’s offensive capabilities. In the voting for the Fifa Best Awards, she finished ahead of notable contenders such as Zambia striker Barbra Banda and her teammate Caroline Graham Hansen, showcasing her remarkable standing in women’s football.

At the same event held in Qatar, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr took home the men’s award, highlighting the ongoing evolution and growing recognition of talent across all levels of professional football. Aitana Bonmati’s achievements serve as an inspiration to many young athletes and mark a significant milestone in the narrative of women’s sports.