No wonder Aitana Bonmati, the standout forward for Barcelona, is having an incredible year. She’s won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third year in a row! The winner was announced at a starry gala in Paris. There, Bonmati was awarded for her remarkable performance during the previous season. Her win solidifies her place as one of the most influential players in women’s football, joining the ranks of legends like Michel Platini and Lionel Messi, who are the only other players to achieve a hat-trick of Ballon d’Or titles.
Bonmati’s achievements this season deserve extra context in light of the personal challenges she endured. Then, just days before the start of the Women’s European Championship, she fell dangerously ill with viral meningitis and was hospitalized. Though this injury was a heavy blow, she showed unprecedented force of will, going on to be named the tournament’s outstanding player. The championship concluded in a heart-wrenching 4-2 penalty shootout loss to home side England. Her own attempt was fourth of the five she saved on the night from England’s Hannah Hampton.
A Season of Triumphs
This was all to be one of the final chapters of Bonmati’s remarkable career. She went on to guide Barcelona to a domestic treble. On top of that, she was the key architect behind their run to the Champions League final. Her contributions on the pitch have been instrumental in helping Barcelona secure the La Liga title, further elevating her status in the sport.
Bonmati’s impressive performance throughout the year positioned her ahead of other top players, including her Spain teammate Mariona Caldentey, whom she bested for the Ballon d’Or. She is a performer in pressure situations and gets it done when it really matters. That’s what makes her an invaluable asset to her team.
“Third time in a row here, and I still can’t believe it,” – Aitana Bonmati
A Heartfelt Speech
After accepting her award, Bonmati gave a powerful speech that moved competitors and supporters of the game at every level. She stopped to express her deep appreciation for her club. She went on to point out how important Barcelona has been to her success so far.
“I owe Barcelona everything. This is the club of my life,” – Aitana Bonmati
Her comments reflected the triumph of her personal journey. They underscored her deep bond with the club that has long been her home and bedrock of her football journey. The audience cheered her on as she celebrated herself, thanking herself for her own dedication and hard work.
Looking Ahead
Even as Bonmati marks this extraordinary accomplishment, she remains focused on raising the bar for herself and her teammates. Her personal story of overcoming her own health challenges is remarkable. It inspires millions of young athletes across the globe to work hard and succeed. Her sights are currently set on upcoming international competitions. She hopes to continue from here—much like her three-year-old career now extends to international triple matches, club championships, and beyond.
