Aitana Bonmati of Spain and Barcelona Secures Women’s Ballon d’Or

Aitana Bonmati, the Spanish midfielder for Barcelona, has been awarded the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year. Last season, Bonmati achieved every available club trophy as Barcelona secured an unprecedented quadruple, claiming victories in Liga F, the Champions League, the Supercopa, and the Copa de la Reina. The 26-year-old player recorded a personal best of 19 goals across these four competitions. Furthermore, Bonmati led Spain to their victory in the inaugural Women’s Nations League title in February, contributing four goals, one of which was scored in their 2-0 final triumph against France. “Thank you so much for your applause. I’m so grateful to be here to receive this award for the second time,” Bonmati stated upon accepting the accolade in Paris. She added, “I always say this is not something that you can do alone, I’m so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful players who help me to keep growing into a better player.” In the voting, England’s Lauren James secured 13th place, with her Lionesses colleagues Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp ranking 20th and 28th, respectively. Emma Hayes was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the women’s coach of the year award, having guided Chelsea to their fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title and subsequently leading the United States to an Olympic gold medal at Paris 2024. Officially known as the Ballon d’Or Feminin, this award acknowledges the year’s top female footballer and is determined by votes from a panel of journalists representing the leading 100 nations in the Fifa men’s world ranking. Bonmati previously secured the 2023 award following her contributions to her club’s victories in the Spanish top flight and the Champions League, as well as Spain’s achievement of their first Women’s World Cup. The midfielder now stands alongside her compatriot and Barcelona team-mate Alexia Putellas as the sole players to have claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or – an award first presented in 2018 – on two occasions. Bonmati scored the opening goal in Barcelona’s Champions League final victory against Lyon and was subsequently named the tournament’s player of the season. Bonmati further stated, “I’m so proud to be a part of Barcelona – it’s a unique and wonderful club. I’m so thankful because the club has given me everything since I was 14 and I hope to keep winning titles for them.” Having received the inaugural women’s club of the year award in 2023, Barcelona once again claimed the honor following their achievements in Liga F, the Champions League, the Supercopa, and the Copa de la Reina. Joan Laporta, Barcelona’s president, commented: “We are really honoured. Thanks to all the people in the club, especially the players who are working really hard to make Barcelona have the best women’s football team in the world.” Six players from the club were nominated for the women’s Ballon d’Or. Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso was presented with the Socrates Award, an accolade that acknowledges humanitarian efforts beyond the football field. Hermoso, whose club football is with Mexican team Tigres, has consistently championed women’s football and spoken out against sexual harassment within the sport. Following Spain’s victory in the 2023 World Cup final, she was kissed by former Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales, an act she subsequently stated was non-consensual. Hermoso, 34, declared, “Women’s football deserves a place for new and future generations.” She continued, “This morning, I woke up and remembered a voice of a little girl saying she wanted to become a footballer, I find it inspiring. I want to keep that going and help make the world a better place.” “I’d like to ask all of you to get together and work together in order to make a better world possible and to make football become what little girls deserve for the future,” she concluded. Aitana Bonmati (Spain and Barcelona) Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway and Barcelona) Salma Paralluelo (Spain and Barcelona) Sophia Smith (United States and Portland Thorns) Lindsey Horan (United States and Lyon) Mallory Swanson (United States and Chicago Red Stars) Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France and Paris St-Germain) Mariona Caldentey (Spain and Barcelona/Arsenal) Trinity Rodman (United States and Washington Spirit) Alexia Putellas (Spain and Barcelona)