Barcelona and Spain’s Aitana Bonmati claimed her second consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or on Monday, following an extraordinary season in which she led her club to an unprecedented continental quadruple and helped Spain secure the Nations League title.
The 26-year-old midfielder now stands alongside teammate Alexia Putellas as the only women to win the Ballon d’Or twice since the award’s inception in 2018. “This cannot be achieved alone. I am very lucky to be surrounded by players who make me better every day,” Bonmati said upon receiving the prestigious award. “Thanks to the staff and to the club workers; without you, we would not achieve such success.”
Bonmati’s commanding presence was instrumental in Barcelona’s historic 2023/24 campaign, in which they clinched the Spanish league, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana, and a second consecutive Women’s Champions League title. She delivered a standout performance in the Champions League final, scoring a goal and earning Player of the Match honors as Barcelona defeated Lyon 2-0 to secure their third European title in four seasons.
“It’s the first time we’ve beaten Lyon. I’m proud of the team, and we know that with these fans, we can’t fail,” Bonmati said after the final, held before 51,000 fans at Bilbao’s San Mames stadium.
A graduate of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Bonmati was named UEFA’s Player of the Season, finishing the Champions League campaign with six goals and six assists. She was equally impactful in Liga F, netting eight goals and providing 11 assists, guiding Barcelona to their fifth consecutive league title. Adding to her accolades, Bonmati scored Spain’s opening goal in their 2-0 win over France in the Nations League final, earning UEFA’s Player of the Finals honor.
Bonmati’s impressive year was nearly capped with six titles, falling short only in an Olympic semi-final loss to Brazil. In April, she made history as the first footballer to be named Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus Awards and was honored alongside her Spain teammates after their Women’s World Cup victory in August 2023.
Additionally, Bonmati has received recognition for her advocacy against sexism in the Spanish football federation, joining her teammates in protesting after the former federation president Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed player Jenni Hermoso.
“Aitana is a role model, not only in her gameplay but in her approach and attitude every day,” said former Barcelona coach Jonatan Giraldez. “I’ve watched her grow, and she deserves every bit of this success.”
The women’s Ballon d’Or winner is chosen by a panel of 50 international football journalists from a shortlist of 30 players.
