Table of Contents
- With the football world focusing on the controversial 2024 Ballon d’Or, a good number of fans don’t even know the winner of the Women’s Ballon d’Or
- Aitana Bonmati was the winner of this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or award, thanks to her outstanding performance that has helped Barcelona and Spain win titles in the past one year
- Bonmati’s versatility as a player makes her a force to reckon with on the pitch and she has since received plenty of praises from some of the most recognized names in the world of football such as Pep Guardiola
With the football world focusing on the controversial 2024 Ballon d’Or, a good number of fans don’t even know the winner of the Women’s Ballon d’Or – Aitana Bonmati.
Bonmati, just like men’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, was presented the prestigious award on Monday (October 28). The 26-year-old is undoubtedly one of the finest women footballers in the world, something that can be proven by the fact that she has played a massive role in Barcelona and Spain’s rise in recent years.
The talented and versatile midfielder has been outstanding in the last two seasons, with her performance helping Barcelona win several titles, including back-to-back Women’s Champion League and FIFA Women’s World Cup honours. Bonmati was the top scorer as Barca secured the Super Cup, in which she finished as the top goalscorer. Having led the Catalans to the Champions League in 2024, she was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament and included in the Team of the Tournament.
Aitana Bonmati has now won the women’s Ballon d’Or two consecutive times. Photo/ KTSM 9 News.
Her accolades do not stop there. She led the Spain national team to UEFA Women’s Nations League glory during the 2023/24 season and also played a significant role in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup triumph.
Aitana Bonmati Rise
Bonmati was born on 19 January 1998 to Vicent Conca i Ferrus (father) and Rosa Bonmati Guidonet (mother), who are both teachers. As a child, she played basketball before transitioning to football after starting school. She played for several local boys’ teams before joining La Masia at Barcelona.
Bonmati would progress through the youth ranks before eventually making her debut with the senior team during the 2015-16 season in the quarter-finals of the Copa de la Reina. Due to her impressive performance, she was included in the first team the following season. Growing up, her idols were Barcelona greats Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez.
The Spain international’s career reached a turning point in 2019 when she participated in the World Cup in France and impressed many with her performance. From there, she has gone on to achieve great success playing with Barcelona and the Spain national team.
Bonmati’s Game
Bonmati might be short in stature but her presence on the pitch is enough to sell fear to opposition players. Interestingly, she sees her short stature as an advantage because the low centre of gravity makes it hard for opponents to take the ball from her feet.
The Spaniard is naturally a midfielder but has also excelled playing as a winger. Her versatility as a player makes her a force to reckon with on the pitch and she has since received plenty of praises from some of the most recognized names in the world of football.
Aitana Bonmati. Photo/ Goal.com.
“Aitana Bonmatí is a football player who has me completely in love with her for the way she plays. I would say she is like the women’s [Andres] Iniesta playing for Barcelona.” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Bonmati as per UEFA’s website.
Bonmati’s Accolades
Due to her stellar performance, Bonmati has been awarded several prestigious individual awards, including back-to-back Women’s Ballon d’Or. The FC Barcelona midfielder took over from teammate Alexia Putellas, who was the first female to win the Ballon d’Or back-to-back.
Below are other major individual awards Bonmati has won since becoming a sensation in the football world:
- Catalan Player of the Year 2019
- Globe Soccer Best Women’s Player of the Year 2023
- Golden Player Woman Award (2023)
- UEFA Women’s Player of the Year 2022-23
- The Best FIFA Women’s Player 2023
- Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year 2024
- UEFA Women’s Champions League Player of the Season 2022-23, 2023-24
- IFFHS Women’s Player of the Year 2023
- IFFHS Women’s Playmaker of the Year 2023
