NEW DELHI: Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati won her second consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or on Monday. She led her club to success in four major titles and helped Spain win the Nations League.
The 26-year-old joins Alexia Putellas as the only women to win the Ballon d’Or twice since its start in 2018. Bonmati said, “This cannot be achieved alone, I am very lucky to be surrounded by players who make me better every day.”
Bonmati was instrumental as Barcelona secured a historic 2023/24 season. The team won the Spanish league, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana, and the Women’s Champions League. Bonmati scored a goal and was named player of the match when Barcelona beat Lyon 2-0 in the Champions League final.
Bonmati expressed pride after the victory, playing in front of 51,000 spectators in Bilbao’s San Mames stadium: “It’s the first time we’ve beaten Lyon. I’m proud of the team, and we know that with these fans we have, we can’t fail.”
Bonmati, a graduate of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, was named UEFA player of the season for her six goals and six assists in the European campaign. With eight goals and 11 assists, she also played a key role in Barcelona’s fifth-straight league title.
In February, Bonmati added the inaugural Women’s Nations League to her achievements by scoring in Spain’s 2-0 win against France in the final. She was named UEFA player of the finals for her performances.
A surprise loss in the Olympics semi-final against Brazil was the only setback in an otherwise dominant season. Bonmati was named Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus Awards in April and praised for her stance against sexism in Spanish football.
Former Barcelona coach Jonatan Giraldez said of Bonmati, “She’s a role model of a player. How she trains, her attitude, the way she approaches things every day, she just sets a great example.”
