Aitana Bonmatí Sets Sights on further Glory Following Historic Ballon d’Or Triumph
Paris – Aitana Bonmatí cemented her status as a global football icon Monday, securing her third consecutive Women’s Ballon d’or award. The Barcelona midfielder’s victory underscores her dominant year, fueled by a 2023 World Cup title with spain and a run to the Champions League final with Barcelona.Despite the accolades, Bonmatí expressed a relentless desire for continued success, both individually and with her teams.
Bonmatí’s win marks a period of unprecedented dominance in the women’s game, and arrives at a pivotal moment as the sport continues its surge in global popularity. The Ballon d’Or recognizes not only individual brilliance but also serves as a powerful symbol of the growing recognition and investment in women’s football. Bonmatí’s achievement will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of players and further elevate the profile of the sport worldwide.
The 2023 European championship Player of the Tournament acknowledged the sting of Spain’s narrow defeat in this summer’s Euros final, stating, “This year we lost a European Championship by a minimum margin and that was painful.” She edged out teammate Mariona Caldentey and England’s alessia Russo for the prestigious award, revealing she hadn’t prepared an acceptance speech, believing the outcome was uncertain.
“Anything could have happened, another colleague could have won it and that’s why I didn’t prepare my speech,” Bonmatí explained.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta lauded Bonmatí’s achievement, emphasizing her integral role in the club’s success. “Aitana was surprised,” Laporta said, “She was euphoric. But she deserves it.She led Barça to reach the Champions League final and in a final anything can happen.” Caldentey and Russo both enjoyed Champions League success with their respective clubs, while Russo was also part of the england team that defeated Spain in the Euros final.
