In the glittering lights of Paris, where football’s brightest stars converge, Aitana Bonmatí stood tallest once again. The 27-year-old Barcelona and Spain midfielder was crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, marking her third consecutive victory in the prestigious award. This achievement, announced in early October 2025, places her among the all-time greats, tying the record for the most wins alongside legends Alexia Putellas and Birgit Prinz. Bonmatí’s triumph over formidable competitors like teammate Mariona Caldentey and Arsenal’s Alessia Russo underscores her unparalleled influence on the women’s game. Let’s dive into what makes this moment a defining one for Bonmatí, Barcelona, and the sport itself.
A Season of Unmatched Brilliance
Bonmatí’s 2024-25 season was nothing short of extraordinary. For Barcelona, she was the linchpin in a campaign that saw the club secure a domestic quadruple: La Liga, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de España Femenina, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Her third Champions League title with the Catalan giants cemented their status as Europe’s dominant force. Across all competitions, Bonmatí racked up 12 goals and 18 assists, numbers that only scratch the surface of her impact. Her vision, precise passing, and relentless work rate were the heartbeat of Barcelona’s record-breaking 50-game unbeaten streak in La Liga—a feat that speaks to both her individual brilliance and the team’s collective strength.
On the international stage, Bonmatí was equally unstoppable. Leading Spain to the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro title, she earned Player of the Tournament honors with a series of commanding performances. In the final, she scored a crucial goal and provided an assist, showcasing her ability to deliver when the stakes are highest. Her knack for controlling the tempo of matches, combined with her flair for creating goal-scoring opportunities, made her the standout star of a talented Spanish squad.
The Ballon d’Or Battle
The 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin race was fiercely competitive, with Bonmatí facing stiff challenges from her Barcelona teammate Mariona Caldentey and England’s Alessia Russo. Caldentey, a dynamic winger, finished second after a season that saw her score 15 goals in Barcelona’s Champions League run and play a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro triumph. Her ability to cut in from the flanks and deliver pinpoint crosses made her a fan favorite and a worthy contender. Meanwhile, Russo, Arsenal’s prolific striker, claimed third place with an impressive 22 goals across the Women’s Super League and Champions League. Her contributions helped England reach the Euro semifinals, signaling the growing strength of English women’s football.
The Ballon d’Or voting process, conducted by 100 international journalists, evaluates players based on individual performance, team success, and fair play. Bonmatí excelled in all three categories. Her consistency, leadership, and ability to elevate those around her set her apart. As one journalist noted, “Bonmatí doesn’t just play the game; she redefines it.” Her win is a testament to her technical mastery and her role as the engine of two trophy-laden teams.
A Humble Champion
In her acceptance speech, Bonmatí was quick to share the spotlight. “This is for the whole Barcelona and Spain family—it’s our collective magic that makes these moments possible,” she said, her voice steady but emotional. This humility is a hallmark of her character. Despite being one of the most decorated players in women’s football, Bonmatí remains grounded, often crediting her teammates and coaches for her success. Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner herself, called Bonmatí “the heartbeat of modern women’s football,” a sentiment echoed by fans and pundits alike.
Bonmatí’s journey to this historic third Ballon d’Or began in La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy. Born in Sant Pere de Ribes, a small town near Barcelona, she grew up idolizing the likes of Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. Like her predecessors, Bonmatí combines technical precision with an almost telepathic understanding of the game. But what sets her apart is her adaptability. Whether playing as a deep-lying midfielder, an attacking playmaker, or even drifting wide, she brings an unmatched intensity to every role.
Barcelona’s Dynasty and Women’s Football’s Rise
Bonmatí’s victory is not just a personal milestone; it’s a reflection of Barcelona’s dominance in women’s football. The club has now produced five of the last six Ballon d’Or Féminin winners, with Putellas claiming the award in 2021 and 2022, and Bonmatí taking it from 2023 to 2025. This run underscores the strength of Barcelona’s system, from their world-class academy to their innovative coaching under Jonatan Giráldez and now Pere Romeu. The team’s possession-based, high-pressing style—often likened to the men’s team under Pep Guardiola—has become the gold standard in the women’s game.
This moment also highlights the rapid growth of women’s football. The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, drew record viewership, a sign of the sport’s soaring popularity. Attendance at women’s matches, particularly in Spain and England, has skyrocketed, with Barcelona regularly filling the Camp Nou for big games. Bonmatí herself has spoken about the importance of inspiring the next generation. “When I was a kid, I didn’t have many women to look up to in football,” she said in a recent interview. “Now, we’re showing young girls that they can dream big.”
What’s Next for Bonmatí?
At 27, Bonmatí is in the prime of her career, and the question on everyone’s mind is whether she can make it four Ballon d’Ors in a row. The competition will only get tougher. Caldentey and Russo are likely to remain in the conversation, and emerging stars like Manchester City’s Vivianne Miedema and Bayern Munich’s Lena Oberdorf are pushing the boundaries of the game. Yet Bonmatí’s track record suggests she thrives under pressure. Her work ethic—often staying late after training to perfect her craft—and her ability to evolve tactically make her a formidable force.
Barcelona’s upcoming challenges, including defending their Champions League title and navigating a packed domestic schedule, will test Bonmatí’s leadership. For Spain, the focus shifts to the 2027 Women’s World Cup, where they’ll aim to build on their 2023 title. Bonmatí, already a World Cup winner, will be central to those ambitions.
A Legacy in the Making
Aitana Bonmatí’s third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin is more than an individual accolade; it’s a celebration of what’s possible when talent, hard work, and teamwork converge. Her journey from a small-town dreamer to a global icon mirrors the rise of women’s football itself—full of passion, resilience, and moments of pure brilliance. As she lifted the golden ball in Paris, Bonmatí wasn’t just celebrating her own success; she was carrying the hopes of countless young players watching from around the world.
For fans, this victory is a reminder of why we love the game. Bonmatí’s ability to glide past defenders, pick out impossible passes, and lead by example is football at its finest. As Barcelona and Spain continue to set the standard, and as women’s football grows in stature, Bonmatí’s legacy is only beginning to take shape. Will she claim a fourth Ballon d’Or in 2026? If her current form is anything to go by, don’t bet against her.
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