Barcelona and Spain’s midfield maestro Aitana Bonmati has secured her second consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or, capping off an extraordinary year in which she led her club to an unprecedented quadruple of titles and helped Spain clinch the Nations League.
Bonmati, 26, becomes only the second woman to win the Ballon d’Or twice, joining her Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas in the elite club since the award’s inception in 2018. Reflecting on her achievement, Bonmati expressed gratitude to her teammates and staff, saying, “This cannot be achieved alone. I am very lucky to be surrounded by players who make me better every day. Thanks to the staff, to the club workers; without you, we would not achieve so much success.”
Her impressive 2023/24 season saw her lead Barcelona to victory across every competition: the Spanish league, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana, and a second consecutive Women’s Champions League. In the Champions League final against Lyon, Bonmati’s remarkable performance and a goal secured a 2-0 win for Barcelona, earning them their third title in four seasons.
Already considered one of the greatest players in the history of women’s football, Bonmati’s back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards highlight her skill, leadership, and impact on the sport. As women’s football continues to gain prominence globally, Bonmati’s achievements represent a beacon of excellence and inspiration for the next generation of players.
