Spain and Barcelona’s Bonmati Wins Women’s Ballon d’Or

Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second year in a row.

Bonmati won every possible trophy at club level last season as Barcelona secured a historic quadruple – winning Liga F, the Champions League, Supercopa and Copa de la Reina.

The 26-year-old scored a career-best tally of 19 goals across all four competitions.

Bonmati also spearheaded Spain’s charge to the inaugural Women’s Nations League title in February with four goals, including one in their 2-0 win over France in the final.

“Thank you so much for your applause. I’m so grateful to be here to receive this award for the second time,” Bonmati said after she received the award in Paris.

“I always say this is not something that you can do alone, I’m so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful players who help me to keep growing into a better player.”

England’s Lauren James achieved a 13th-place finish in the voting, while her Lionesses team-mates Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp finished 20th and 28th, respectively.

Emma Hayes became the first winner of the women’s coach of the year award after leading Chelsea to a fifth straight Women’s Super League title before guiding the United States to Olympic gold at Paris 2024.

Bonmati Follows in Putellas’ Footsteps
The award, officially called the Ballon d’Or Feminin, recognises the best footballer of the year and is voted for by a jury of journalists from each of the top 100 countries in the Fifa men’s world ranking.

Bonmati won the 2023 award after helping her club triumph in the Spanish top flight and Champions League, and Spain claim their first Women’s World Cup.

The playmaker joins compatriot and Barcelona team-mate Alexia Putellas as the only players to have won the Women’s Ballon d’Or – which was first awarded in 2018 – twice.

Bonmati netted the first goal in Barca’s Champions League final triumph over Lyon and was named the tournament’s player of the season.

“I’m so proud to be a part of Barcelona – it’s a unique and wonderful club. I’m so thankful because the club has given me everything since I was 14 and I hope to keep winning titles for them,” Bonmati added.

Barcelona Win Women’s Club of the Year Award
After winning the inaugural award for women’s club of the year in 2023, Barcelona picked up the award again after their success in Liga F, the Champions League, Supercopa and Copa de la Reina.

Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta said: “We are really honoured. Thanks to all the people in the club, especially the players who are working really hard to make Barcelona have the best women’s football team in the world.

The club had six players nominated for the women’s Ballon d’Or.

Hermoso Wins Socrates Award
Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso was awarded with the Socrates Award, which recognises humanitarian work off the pitch.

Hermoso, who plays her club football for Mexican side Tigres, has been an outspoken advocate for women’s football and against sexual harassment in the game.

She was kissed by former Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales after Spain won the 2023 World Cup final, which she later said was not consensual.

“Women’s football deserves a place for new and future generations,” Hermoso, 34, said.

“This morning, I woke up and remembered a voice of a little girl saying she wanted to become a footballer, I find it inspiring. I want to keep that going and help make the world a better place.

“I’d like to ask all of you to get together and work together in order to make a better world possible and to make football become what little girls deserve for the future.”

Women’s Ballon d’Or top 10
1. Aitana Bonmati (Spain and Barcelona)
2. Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway and Barcelona)
3. Salma Paralluelo (Spain and Barcelona)
4. Sophia Smith (United States and Portland Thorns)
5. Lindsey Horan (United States and Lyon)
6. Mallory Swanson (United States and Chicago Red Stars)
7. Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France and Paris St-Germain)
8. Mariona Caldentey (Spain and Barcelona/Arsenal)
9. Trinity Rodman (United States and Washington Spirit)
10. Alexia Putellas (Spain and Barcelona)

Source:opemsuo.com