Aitana Bonmatí, the Spanish midfielder who plays for Barcelona and Spain women’s national team, has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for the best female player of the year 2023. She is the first Spanish woman and the second Barcelona player to receive this honor, after Lieke Martens in 2017.
Bonmatí had an outstanding year with both club and country, leading them to unprecedented success and glory. She was instrumental in Barcelona’s continental treble-winning campaign in 2020/21, scoring 19 goals and providing 15 assists in all competitions. She also had one of the most memorable performances of her career in the 2021 UEFA Women’s Champions League final, scoring Barcelona’s third goal and being named MVP of the Final.
Bonmatí continued her brilliant form in the 2022/23 season, helping Barcelona retain their domestic league and Champions League titles. She scored 23 goals and assisted 18 more in all competitions, including a hat-trick in the 6-0 thrashing of Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final second leg. She also won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year award for her exceptional contribution to Barcelona’s European dominance.
On the international level, Bonmatí was the star of Spain’s historic triumph at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She scored six goals and assisted four more in seven matches, including a brace in the 3-1 victory over Germany in the final. She also won the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player, becoming the first Spanish woman to do so.
Bonmatí is widely regarded as one of the best players in women’s football, with her technical skills, vision, creativity, and leadership qualities. She has been compared to legendary male players such as Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta, who praised her footballing DNA and Barça values. She has also been an inspiration for many young girls who aspire to play football, as she overcame many challenges and prejudices since she was the only girl playing on her village’s soccer team.
Bonmatí expressed her gratitude and humility after receiving the Ballon d’Or award, dedicating it to her teammates, coaches, family, and fans. She also said that she hopes to continue improving and enjoying the game she loves.