Aitana Bonmatí makes history with her third consecutive Ballon d’Or

Paris (EFE) — Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, midfielder for FC Barcelona, further cemented her legend by winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or this Monday, at the ceremony organized by France Football and UEFA at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

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At 29 years old, the Catalan footballer becomes the first player in history to win three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards (2023, 2024 and 2025), thus equaling the feats of legendary figures such as Michel Platini and Johan Cruyff in the men’s category. Bonmatí was a key player in Barcelona’s absolute dominance in Spanish football and in the club’s reaching the Champions League final, in addition to her contribution to the runner-up finish of Spain in the European Championship. In the voting, she surpassed her compatriot Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal) and the Englishwoman Alessia Russo (Arsenal), who completed the podium. The award was presented to him by Andrés Iniesta, one of his childhood idols, along with Xavi Hernández. “I have learned from them and my football depends on what they taught me,” he expressed emotionally. “Three years here and the theater continues to impress a lot”, said Aitana in her speech, underlining the very high level of all the candidates. “If I could share it I would, it’s a year of great level”. The midfielder also highlighted the importance of, for the first time, awarding the same number of men’s and women’s awards: “Equality is something we demand and hope will continue.” With this award, Bonmatí succeeds her teammate Alexia Putellas, winner in 2021 and 2022, consolidating Barcelona as the epicenter of world women’s football. “I want to thank the club, my teammates and everyone who has helped me get here,” concluded the culé star.