Aitana Bonmatí wins her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin.
Aitana Bonmatí has cemented her place as a living legend in women’s football, winning her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin at a ceremony in Paris today.
The Spanish and Barcelona midfielder becomes the first woman in history to achieve the feat, a milestone previously reached only by Lionel Messi and Michel Platini in the men’s game.
The 27-year-old’s victory comes after another stellar season in which she led Barcelona to a domestic treble and played a crucial role in Spain’s run to the Women’s EURO 2025 final.
Her dominance on the field has now translated into an unprecedented reign at the very top of the individual awards.
A Historic Season of Triumphs and Challenges
Bonmatí’s latest accolade is a testament to her consistent excellence throughout the 2024-2025 season. As the engine of the Barcelona midfield, she was instrumental in the club’s triumphs in Liga F, the Copa de la Reina de Fútbol, and the Supercopa de España Femenina.
While Barcelona ultimately fell to Arsenal in the Women’s Champions League final, Bonmatí’s influence and leadership were undeniable.
Her national team performances were just as impactful. Despite a scare from viral meningitis just before the start of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, she recovered to play a pivotal role in Spain’s journey to the final. She was named Player of the Tournament and scored a crucial extra-time winner in the semi-final against Germany.
The Final Rankings: Arsenal and Barcelona Dominate
The final rankings for the Ballon d’Or Féminin reflected a year dominated by players from Barcelona and Arsenal. Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo finished second and third, respectively, a clear nod to their success in the Champions League and their national team performances.
Alexia Putellas, a previous two-time winner, finished fourth, making it five consecutive years that the award has gone to a Spanish Barcelona midfielder.
Other notable winners on the night included Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor, who won the Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy for being the top scorer, and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, who claimed the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.
A Humble Icon’s Message
In her acceptance speech, a visibly emotional Bonmatí expressed her disbelief and gratitude. “It’s incredible, this feeling. I never thought when I was a kid that I could achieve this because I didn’t think women’s football could exist,” she said.
She credited her success to her teammates, coaches, and family, emphasising that the individual honour was a result of collective work.
Her win not only solidifies her place as the best player in the world but also marks a significant moment for the women’s game, as it continues to grow in stature and recognition.
Bonmatí’s journey, from a young girl who didn’t believe women’s football could be a career to a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, is an inspiration to a new generation of footballers around the world.
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