October 30, (THEWILL) – Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí, has been named the winner of the prestigious 2023 Ballon d’Or Féminin award.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a superb 2022/2023 season, winning the Liga F title and UEFA Champions League with Barcelona before playing a vital role as Spain triumphed at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. This is her first Ballon d’Or triumph, taking over from club and international teammate, Alexia Putellas, who won it the previous two years. Bonmatí was also named UEFA Women’s Player of the Year in August 2022.
With Barcelona, Bonmatí helped the club finish 10 points clear at the top of the Liga F table and come from 2-0 down to defeat Wolfsburg in the Champions League final, securing the trophy for the second time in Barcelona’s history.
For Spain, Bonmatí was instrumental as La Roja overcame the odds and off-field disputes to win the World Cup, beating England in the final. However, the tournament was marred by former RFEF President Luis Rubiales, who has since been banned for 3 years after kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips post-match.
Bonmatí was one of six Spaniards nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin, alongside five Barcelona teammates. She beat England’s Rachel Daly, Millie Bright, Mary Earps and Georgia Stanway to the award. The Lionesses stars were absent from the Paris ceremony due to Women’s Nations League matches.
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.
