How Bonmati Became a Ballon d’Or Winner

Aitana Bonmati Conca has long been considered one of the best players in world football, just not THE best. Some might say she lived in team mate Alexia Putellas’ shadow for the last few seasons, as the player famously known as ‘La Reina’ picked up nearly every individual award going for a two year period. Putellas’ star has been rising at a steep trajectory but an ACL injury in the lead up to the Women’s Euros 2022 put her career on hold.

Many people were wondering whether FC Barcelona Femini would be able to continue their dominance without Putellas leading the team. Fortunately for FC Barcelona Femini fans, Bonmati did not miss her opportunity to show the world that she is a unique talent, more than worthy of claiming the individual accolades.

Bonmati played an integral role in helping Barcelona lift the Women’s Champions League trophy again, as well as helping her country to win their first World Cup.

Her style of play and influence in games has drawn plaudits from the likes of Pep Guardiola who described her as “the female Iniesta“. In response to the comparison, Iniesta also revealed his admiration for Bonmati, stating “She has gone from being a good team player to having an increasingly important role to the point of leading the national team and Barca”.

Xavi was also quick to praise Bonmati following her Ballon d’Or win: “With Aitana there is no debate. She has been amazing during the past season and was important for both Barca and Spain. She has Barca DNA and it’s a spectacle to watch her play”.

Bonmati Stats 2022/23

Liga F – 9 goals. 10 assists

UWCL – 5 goals 7 assists

Women’s World Cup – 3 goals 2 assists

Bonmati’s journey to become the Ballon d’Or Winner

Aitana Bonmati is a proud Catalan, born in Vilanova i la Geltru, less than an hour’s drive from the Camp Nou. She joined Barcelona’s La Masia in 2012, making her full team debut in the 2016-17 season. Representing Spain at U17, U19 and U20 level, it was only a matter of time before she made her national team debut, which came in 2017.

The Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia is where Bonmati really left her mark on the world stage, being awarded the Golden Ball while helping Spain to their first World Cup trophy.

It was little surprise within the women’s football world when Aitana Bonmati was voted the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner and rather than taking time to enjoy her victory, she will be 100% focused on doing everything in her power to reclaim the coveted award next year.