Aitana Bonmati Claims Second Ballon d'Or

Posted : 29 October 2024

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati secured her second consecutive women's Ballon d'Or on Monday, an honor that comes after her extraordinary season leading Barcelona to an unprecedented quadruple and capturing the Nations League title with Spain. Bonmati, at 26, now joins her teammate Alexia Putellas as the only women to have won the prestigious award twice since its introduction in 2018, further cementing her legacy in women's football.

In her acceptance speech, Bonmati expressed gratitude for the collective effort behind her success, emphasizing that her achievements would not have been possible without the teammates and staff who supported her. She thanked her fellow players and the club staff, noting their essential role in Barcelona's success. Bonmati's humility and dedication to her team highlight the collaborative spirit that has driven Barcelona’s accomplishments.

Bonmati was instrumental in Barcelona’s historic 2023/24 season, leading the Catalan side to claim every trophy available to them, including the Spanish league, the Copa de la Reina, the Supercopa de España, and the Women's Champions League. In the Champions League final against Lyon, she delivered a standout performance, scoring a goal and earning player-of-the-match honors as Barcelona triumphed 2-0, securing their third Champions League title in four years. The final, held at Bilbao's San Mamés stadium, attracted a crowd of 51,000, a testament to the growth of women's football and Barcelona's passionate fanbase.

In addition to her success with Barcelona, Bonmati's international accomplishments were equally impressive. She was a critical force in Spain's Nations League victory, scoring the opening goal in their 2-0 win over France in the final. Her consistent performance throughout the tournament earned her the title of UEFA’s player of the finals. Despite a loss in the Olympic semifinals against Brazil, Bonmati's stellar contributions have established her as a dominant force in the sport, earning her recognition on both club and international stages.

Beyond her on-field accomplishments, Bonmati has been an influential figure off the field. She played a significant role in protesting against sexism within the Spanish football federation, standing in solidarity with her teammate Jenni Hermoso after the scandal involving former president Luis Rubiales. Her actions demonstrated her commitment to advocating for respect and equality in women's football, solidifying her status as both a talented player and an advocate for change.

The Ballon d'Or is awarded based on votes from a panel of 50 international football journalists, chosen from a shortlist of 30 players. This prestigious accolade recognizes Bonmati not only for her technical skill and leadership but also for her enduring impact on the sport and her unwavering commitment to fostering a more equitable environment in women's football.

Aitana Bonmati Claims Second Ballon d'Or

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