Aitana Bonmatí crowns Spain’s golden era with a historic treble

Women’s football in Spain once again enjoyed its own celebration of excellence this Monday in Paris, as recognition of its achievements and sustained success took center stage.

Catalan international Aitana Bonmatí Conca has been awarded her third consecutive Ballon d’Or, the prize presented by France Football to the world’s best female footballer.

Since its inception in 2018, when Norway’s Ada Hegerberg and the United States’ Megan Rapinoe claimed the first two editions, the award has been dominated by Spanish players. Two consecutive titles for Alexia Putellas, followed by three in a row for her Barcelona and Spain teammate Aitana Bonmatí, confirm the standing of Spanish football and the national team—ranked number one by FIFA—as the finest in the world, under the stewardship of the RFEF.

The Paris ceremony also honored Spanish internationals Vicky López and Lamine Yamal, underscoring the breadth of talent within Spanish football.

Upon receiving her third golden ball, Aitana remarked: “It could just as easily have gone to any of my teammates. If I could share it, I would, because it has been a year of extraordinary quality.” She was presented with the award by Andrés Iniesta, whom she described, along with Xavi Hernández, as one of her childhood idols: “My football today is thanks to them, for everything they taught me. As a child I never imagined achieving something like this.”

At 27, the midfielder born in Sant Pere de Ribes has already amassed 78 international caps, scoring 30 goals, and has collected prestigious titles including last year’s UEFA Nations League, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and this summer’s European Championship silver medal in Switzerland, where she was named best player in each competition.

Looking ahead, a new Nations League—whose conclusion will come later this year—and the path toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil emerge as the next major challenges for Spain, with Aitana continuing to shine as one of the team’s standout stars alongside fellow nominees Mariona Caldentey, Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, and Esther González.