Aitana Bonmati: From Hospital Bed to Historic Third Ballon d'Or Triumph
Aitana Bonmati makes history by winning her third consecutive Ballon d'Or, overcoming illness to lead Spain and Barcelona to glory.
Aitana Bonmati's Historic Achievement
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has etched her name in the annals of football history by becoming the first player to win the women's Ballon d'Or three times. The 27-year-old, who also claimed the award in 2023 and 2024, received the prestigious honor from Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta during a star-studded ceremony.
Overcoming Adversity
Bonmati's journey to this historic third Ballon d'Or was anything but straightforward. Just days before the Euro 2025 tournament, she was hospitalized with viral meningitis, casting doubt on her participation. However, Bonmati made a remarkable recovery, scoring the winning goal in Spain's semi-final against Germany and leading her team to the final, where they narrowly lost to England on penalties.
A Stellar Season with Barcelona
Despite the heartbreak at the Euros, Bonmati enjoyed a stellar season with Barcelona, winning a domestic treble and reaching the UEFA Champions League final. She was named the competition's player of the season, contributing nine goals and assists in 11 appearances. Her performances were pivotal in Barcelona's dominance, as they finished eight points ahead of Real Madrid in the league.
A Legacy of Excellence
Bonmati's list of accolades is nothing short of extraordinary. She has now won the Ballon d'Or in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and was named the FIFA Best Women's Player in 2023 and 2024. With Barcelona, she has secured seven league titles, three European crowns, and numerous domestic cups. The La Masia graduate is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the history of women's football.
Ballon d'Or Feminin Top 10
- Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
- Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal, Spain)
- Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
- Chloe Kelly (Manchester City, Arsenal, England)
- Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona, Spain)
- Leah Williamson (Arsenal, England)
- Ewa Pajor (Barcelona, Poland)
- Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)
- Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
Related Topics
- Barcelona
- Women's Football
- UEFA Champions League
- Ballon d'Or
- Aitana Bonmati
Comments
Comments cannot be loaded. To load Comments, you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
View comments | 940
Colombia
08:00 International, Friendly International
08:00
Canada
Palmeiras
06:00 Brazil, Brasileirão Série A, Round 28
06:00
RB Bragantino
Botafogo
06:30 Brazil, Brasileirão Série A, Round 28
06:30
Flamengo
Sport Recife
07:00 Brazil, Brasileirão Série A, Round 28
07:00
Ceara
Mirassol
07:00 Brazil, Brasileirão Série A, Round 28
07:00
Internacional
What to Read Next
Aitana Bonmati's Resilient Comeback: Spain's Star Battles Meningitis Scare Ahead of Euro 2025 Opener
