October 29, (THEWILL) – Barcelona midfielder, Aitana Bonmati, received the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or on Monday, marking her second consecutive victory of football’s most prestigious individual award. The Spanish international joins her Barcelona teammate, Alexia Putellas, in an exclusive group of multiple Ballon d’Or recipients since the award’s introduction in 2018.
The 26-year-old midfielder demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the 2023/2024 season, leading Barcelona to an impressive quadruple of trophies. Her contributions proved instrumental in Barcelona’s victories across the Spanish league, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana, and UEFA Women’s Champions League.
During the Champions League campaign, Bonmati recorded six goals and six assists, earning UEFA’s Player of the Season recognition. Her excellence continued in domestic competition, where she contributed eight goals and eleven assists during Barcelona’s fifth consecutive Liga F championship season. “This cannot be achieved alone, I am very lucky to be surrounded by players who make me better every day,” Bonmati stated during the award ceremony.
The Spanish international’s achievements extend beyond club football. She played a central role in Spain’s triumph at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and guided her national team to victory in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League in February 2024. Her influence in the Nations League final manifested through a crucial opening goal against France in a 2-0 victory.
The Ballon d’Or selection process involves 50 international football journalists evaluating a shortlist of 30 players. Bonmati’s recognition includes additional honours, such as becoming the first footballer to receive the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award in April. Her former Barcelona coach, Jonatan Giraldez, described her impact: “She’s a role model of a player. How she trains, her attitude, the way she approaches things every day, she just sets a great example.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
