Barcelona and Spain’s iconic midfielder, Aitana Bonmati, has won the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year, solidifying her reputation as one of football’s most outstanding talents.
After a stellar season that saw Bonmati lead Barcelona to an unprecedented quadruple and Spain to a Nations League title, this accolade recognizes her extraordinary impact on the global stage.
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A Record-Breaking Season with Barcelona
Aitana Bonmati, known for her vision, skill, and playmaking prowess, has been an integral part of Barcelona’s successes.
The 26-year-old spearheaded a Barcelona team that achieved the unprecedented feat of winning four major titles in the 2023/24 season.
With wins in the Spanish league, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana, and a second consecutive Women’s Champions League trophy, Bonmati’s Barcelona dominated every competition they entered.
AITANA BONMATI IS THE 2024 WOMEN’S BALLON D’OR!
Back-to-back winner, the Women’s Ballon d’Or stays in Spain!
Congrats @AitanaBonmati #ballondor @FCBfemeni @UWCL @weuro2025 pic.twitter.com/g4P1Lv5oIl
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
In a season-defining Champions League final, Bonmati delivered a player-of-the-match performance, scoring a crucial goal in a 2-0 win over Lyon.
This victory marked a historic moment, as it was the first time Barcelona had beaten Lyon in the competition.
Her pivotal role in this victory, played in front of 51,000 fans at Bilbao’s San Mames stadium, highlighted her ability to perform under pressure and lead her team to triumph on the grandest stages.
In addition to her club success, Bonmati’s leadership has shone brightly in her national team endeavors. She guided Spain to victory in the first-ever Women’s Nations League, scoring in the final against France.
Her influence on the field was unmistakable, as she was selected as the player of the tournament for her consistent excellence in both the semifinals and the final. These achievements follow her role in Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup win, further enhancing her legacy.
Bonmati’s individual contributions are equally impressive, with 8 goals and 11 assists in Spain’s Liga F, which played a vital role in Barcelona’s fifth consecutive league title. This level of output underscores her dual ability to score and create, making her one of the most versatile players in women’s football today.
Bonmati’s Rise from La Masia
Her journey began at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, where she honed her craft alongside some of the brightest young talents.
Her trajectory from a youth player to an international superstar embodies the values of hard work, resilience, and excellence that La Masia is known for.
Today, Bonmati stands as a role model for young players, showcasing that dedication and discipline can lead to the highest honors in football.
Former Barcelona coach Jonatan Giraldez praised her work ethic, saying, “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.” Giraldez’s words highlight Bonmati’s influence, not only in terms of technical skill but also in her commitment and character, which have inspired both teammates and fans.
Breaking Boundaries and Fighting for Equality
Beyond her achievements on the field, she has also become a prominent voice against sexism in the sport. Alongside her Spanish teammates, she took a strong stance against former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after he forcibly kissed teammate Jenni Hermoso. By speaking out, Bonmati demonstrated her commitment to fairness and respect in women’s football, setting a new standard for leadership within the sport.
Her stance resonated globally, further cementing her reputation as a footballer with principles. This courage to speak out is a defining trait that sets Bonmati apart, as she champions both excellence and equality, embodying the modern footballer’s role in social activism.
Why Aitana Bonmati Deserves the Ballon d’Or
Aitana’s back-to-back Ballon d’Or wins elevate her into an elite category. She joins Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas as the only other player to have achieved this feat since the award’s inception in 2018.
Her performances speak volumes, as she has managed to stay consistent and elevate her game even in high-stakes matches, proving her ability to perform at the top level year after year.
Bonmati was instrumental in Barcelona’s success across all competitions, with six goals and six assists in the Women’s Champions League, leading to her being named UEFA’s Player of the Season.
Her influence isn’t confined to statistics; it’s also about her presence on the pitch and how she elevates those around her. As she noted during her acceptance speech, “This cannot be achieved alone, I am very lucky to be surrounded by players who make me better every day.”
Awards and Recognition: Cementing Her Legacy
In addition to her Ballon d’Or success, Bonmati has received numerous accolades, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Earlier this year, she made history by becoming the first footballer to be named Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus Awards. This recognition added to her achievements, honoring her role in Spain’s World Cup victory.
This wave of recognition and awards highlights Bonmati’s growing influence beyond just the football community. Her consistent performances have made her an ambassador for women’s football, helping to raise the profile of the sport globally.
What’s Next for Aitana Bonmati?
Her career trajectory suggests that her influence will only continue to grow. With her skill, leadership, and activism, she embodies the potential of women’s football to inspire millions worldwide. As she continues to set new records and lead Barcelona and Spain to success, Bonmati’s legacy in the sport will undoubtedly inspire future generations.
Her journey from La Masia to winning back-to-back Ballon d’Ors is a testament to her work ethic, talent, and the progress of women’s football. As more young players look up to her, Bonmati’s influence is bound to contribute to a more inclusive, competitive, and celebrated landscape for women’s sports.
