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Paris, France (The Clarity Times) – In a historic evening for Spanish football, Barcelona’s star midfielder Aitana Bonmati lifted the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year, capping off a remarkable season in domestic and international competitions. The award in Paris solidifies Bonmati’s role as one of the sport’s brightest talents and extends Barcelona’s legacy in women’s football.
Breaking Records and Setting Standards
Bonmati’s 2023-2024 season is one for the record books. Leading Barcelona to a historic quadruple, she claimed titles in Spain’s Liga F, the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Supercopa, and Copa de la Reina. As one of the team’s leading goal-scorers, Bonmati notched a career-high 19 goals, all while orchestrating plays from the midfield with precision and creativity. Her leadership on the field extended beyond club play, as she spearheaded Spain’s charge to victory in the inaugural Women’s Nations League, including a standout performance in the 2-0 final against France.
“Winning the Ballon d’Or once felt like a dream; winning it twice is beyond words. I’m incredibly grateful to my teammates and the Barcelona family for helping me reach this point,” Bonmati expressed to an audience of football legends and global fans.
Barcelona’s Winning Legacy
As Barcelona celebrated another Ballon d’Or winner in its ranks, the club also received the prestigious Women’s Club of the Year award for the second time. This honor reflects the organization’s commitment to excellence in women’s football, with six of its players nominated for the Ballon d’Or, including Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo, who finished in the top three. Barcelona President Joan Laporta praised the team’s dedication, saying, “This award recognizes the relentless hard work of our players, coaches, and staff who’ve made Barcelona synonymous with world-class women’s football.”
Jenni Hermoso: Championing Change Off the Field
Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso also took the spotlight, receiving the Socrates Award for her advocacy work in women’s football and her commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive environment in the sport. Currently playing for Mexico’s Tigres, Hermoso became a vocal advocate for women’s rights following a controversial kiss by Spain’s former FA chief, Luis Rubiales, after Spain’s 2023 World Cup win.
“Women’s football deserves a place for future generations, and I’m committed to making it a game every little girl dreams of,” Hermoso said in her acceptance speech, urging unity to “make football the sport young girls deserve.”
Bonmati’s Path Forward
Looking ahead, Bonmati remains focused on growing with Barcelona, a club she’s been with since age 14. Her ambitions are clear: “I want to keep winning, keep growing, and help Barcelona remain a global leader in women’s football,” she stated.
With Barcelona’s dominance on the field and the emergence of impactful players like Bonmati and Hermoso, Spanish women’s football is positioned to inspire a new generation of fans and athletes. From record-breaking performances to a powerful commitment to equality, these women are reshaping the game, and their success is setting the stage for an exciting future in football.
