AITANA BONMATÍ WINS HISTORIC THIRD CONSECUTIVE BALLON D'OR FÉMININ

In a landmark achievement for women's football, Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí has been awarded the Ballon d'Or Féminin for the third consecutive year. The Spanish midfielder, who has become a pivotal figure for both her club and country, was honored at the 69th Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris.
Bonmatí's win places her in the history books as the first woman to win the award three times since its inauguration in 2018. This historic victory puts her in a select group of players, alongside Lionel Messi and Michel Platini, who have won the Golden Ball three years in a row.
The award is a reflection of her remarkable season with Barcelona, where she was instrumental in the team securing a domestic treble. Her performances also helped Spain reach the final of the UEFA Women's EURO 2025. Bonmatí's exceptional contributions throughout the 2024-2025 season included scoring 20 goals and providing 16 assists.
Bonmatí received the honor ahead of Arsenal forwards Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo, who finished second and third, respectively. Her win also ensures that a Spanish Barcelona midfielder has claimed the Ballon d'Or for the fifth consecutive year, following her own wins in 2023 and 2024, and those of her teammate Alexia Putellas in 2021 and 2022.
The Barcelona star expressed gratitude to her teammates and her club, stating that she hopes to represent the club for many more years.