Aitana Bonmati’s Historic Third Women’s Ballon d’Or Triumph
Aitana Bonmati claimed her third consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or, a record-breaking feat for the 27-year-old Barcelona midfielder. Her blend of skill, resilience, and leadership outshone stars like Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo, cementing her legacy in women’s football. Bonmati’s journey, from hospital bed to Euro 2025 heroics, redefines excellence.
Bonmati’s Stellar 2024-25 Season
Bonmati led Barcelona to a domestic treble, scoring 12 goals and adding six assists in Liga F, plus nine goal involvements in the Champions League. Her brace against Chelsea in the semi-final earned her UEFA Player of the Season honors, despite a final loss to Arsenal. “I owe Barcelona everything,” she said, accepting the award from idol Andres Iniesta.
Euro 2025: From Illness to Icon
Days before Euro 2025, Bonmati battled viral meningitis but defied doctors to compete. Her extra-time goal against Germany secured Spain’s first Euros final appearance, though they lost to England on penalties. “It was a super special goal,” she told BBC One, highlighting her clutch mentality that swayed Ballon d’Or voters.
Barcelona and Spain’s Midfield Maestro
A La Masia graduate, Bonmati embodies Barcelona’s technical philosophy, amassing seven Liga F titles and three Champions Leagues. She mentors Spain’s emerging stars, fostering a winning culture. Her style, likened to Iniesta’s, drives Barcelona’s dynasty alongside Alexia Putellas and Patricia Guijarro.
Women’s Football’s Rising Stars
The 2025 Ballon d’Or top 10 featured Caldentey (2nd), Russo (3rd), Putellas (4th), and England’s Chloe Kelly (5th), Leah Williamson (7th), Lucy Bronze (9th), and Hannah Hampton (10th). Sarina Wiegman won Women’s Coach of the Year.
