September 22, (THEWILL) — Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati has become the first woman to claim three Ballon d’Or titles after winning the 2025 award at age 27.
The Barcelona star claimed her third consecutive victory, having previously won in 2023 and 2024, establishing a new benchmark in women’s football recognition.
Arsenal winger Mariona Caldentey, Bonmati’s Spain teammate, finished second in the voting.
Five England internationals earned top-10 positions, with Arsenal’s Alessia Russo claiming third place, followed by club colleague Chloe Kelly in fifth and Leah Williamson in seventh.
Chelsea pair Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton completed England’s representation, finishing ninth and tenth respectively.
The strong English presence demonstrates the growing strength of the Women’s Super League and England’s national programme on the global stage.
This will help Brighton and Hove Albion keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who moved to the WSL from Paris FC in the summer.
Barcelona players have now dominated the award across five consecutive years.
Midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed the honour in 2021 and 2022 before Bonmati’s three-year run, cementing the Catalan club’s position at the pinnacle of women’s football excellence.
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.
