Women's Ballon d'Or: Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati wins award for the first time

The Women’s Ballon d’Or has found a new home this year, and it’s in the hands of the talented Spanish midfielder, Aitana Bonmati. At just 25 years old, she has managed to secure the prestigious award for the first time, capping off an extraordinary year in her career.

Aitana Bonmati – Rising Star

In this article, we’ll delve into the remarkable journey of Aitana Bonmati, her incredible achievements, and the impact she’s had on the world of football.

A Year of Triumphs

Aitana Bonmati’s 2023 was nothing short of incredible. She played a pivotal role in her club, FC Barcelona’s triumph in the Spanish top flight and the UEFA Champions League. Additionally, she was instrumental in helping her national team, Spain, win the FIFA Women’s World Cup during the scorching summer.

UEFA’s Player of the Year

Aitana’s talent and dedication were not overlooked on the European stage. In August, she was crowned UEFA’s Player of the Year, solidifying her status as one of the continent’s top footballers. This recognition was a testament to her hard work and relentless pursuit of excellence on the pitch.

The Ballon d’Or Triumph

The pinnacle of Aitana’s year was undoubtedly winning the Ballon d’Or. This is a historic moment for the talented midfielder, as she becomes the first Spanish woman to claim this prestigious award. Her remarkable skills and contributions to the sport have rightfully earned her a place among football’s elite.

English Contenders

While Aitana secured the top spot, England was well-represented in the rankings. Mary Earps, the England goalkeeper, achieved a respectable fifth-place finish. Her teammate, Rachel Daly, also had a commendable performance, securing the tenth spot. This recognition showcases the growing strength of women’s football in England.

A Global Competition

Aitana Bonmati faced tough competition from around the globe. Among the notable contenders were Lionesses Millie Bright and Georgia Stanway. Their presence in the top 10 emphasizes the global nature of women’s football, with talent emerging from various corners of the world.

The Runner-Ups

While Aitana claimed the top spot, she was closely followed by some exceptional athletes. Sam Kerr of Chelsea and Australia secured the second position. Barcelona and Spain’s teenage sensation, Salma Paralluelo, was placed third, showcasing her potential as a future star in the sport. Fridolina Rolfo of Barcelona and Sweden finished fourth, highlighting the strength of women’s football in Europe.

A Grateful Winner

A humble Aitana Bonmati expressed her joy at winning the Ballon d’Or, saying, “I’m very proud to win the Ballon d’Or. Football is a collective sport so I’d like to extend this prize to my team-mates and staff.” Her acknowledgment of the team’s effort and support reflects her character as a team player.

A Message of Responsibility

In her acceptance speech, Aitana emphasized the role of athletes as role models, both on and off the pitch. She stated, “As role models, we have a responsibility on and off the pitch. We should be more than athletes and keep leading by example and fighting together for a better, peaceful, and equal world.” This highlights her commitment to using her platform to inspire positive change.

The World Cup Victory

Aitana Bonmati played a crucial role in Spain’s World Cup win, scoring three goals in the tournament in Australia and New Zealand. Spain’s victory was overshadowed by controversy, with Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso after the final, which Hermoso claimed was not consensual.

A Trophy-Adorned Career

Aitana Bonmati has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments throughout her career. She has won four league titles with FC Barcelona and has twice lifted the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy. Her consistency and success in club football have been instrumental in her Ballon d’Or win.

Continuation of Spanish Dominance

Aitana Bonmati follows in the footsteps of her teammate, Alexia Putellas, who won the Women’s Ballon d’Or in the previous two editions. This streak of Spanish winners underscores the remarkable talent and success of Spanish female footballers on the international stage.

The Top 10 Rankings

To provide a comprehensive overview of the Women’s Ballon d’Or results, here are the top 10 rankings:

Aitana Bonmati (Spain and Barcelona)
Sam Kerr (Australia and Chelsea)
Salma Paralluelo (Spain and Barcelona)
Fridolina Rolfo (Sweden and Barcelona)
Mary Earps (England and Manchester United)
Olga Carmona (Spain and Real Madrid)
Alexandra Popp (Germany and VfL Wolfsburg)
Patricia Guijarro (Spain and Barcelona)
Linda Caicedo (Colombia and Real Madrid)
Rachel Daly (England and Aston Villa)

Conclusion

Aitana Bonmati’s victory in the Women’s Ballon d’Or is a testament to her exceptional skills and contributions to the sport. Her achievements in 2023 have marked her as one of the finest footballers in the world. As she continues her journey in football, the world will be watching in anticipation of her future accomplishments.

FAQs

How many times has Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s Ballon d’Or?

Aitana Bonmati has won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the first time in 2023.

Who finished second in the Women’s Ballon d’Or rankings?

Sam Kerr of Chelsea and Australia finished second in the rankings.

How did Aitana Bonmati contribute to Spain’s World Cup win?

Aitana Bonmati scored three goals during the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, playing a pivotal role in Spain’s victory.

Who is the previous winner of the Women’s Ballon d’Or?

Aitana Bonmati’s teammate, Alexia Putellas, won the Women’s Ballon d’Or in the previous two editions.

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Women’s Ballon d’Or: Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati wins award for the first time