Aitana Bonmatí hoisted the golden trophy amid thunderous applause at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, solidifying her status among football’s elite. The 26-year-old Spanish midfielder from Barcelona clinched the 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin for the second straight year, outpacing fierce competition from teammates and international stars. Held on October 28, 2024, the 68th edition of the France Football and UEFA-organized ceremony celebrated the standout performers of the 2023-2024 season.
The event spotlighted Spanish brilliance, with Bonmatí securing the top women’s award after an impeccable campaign. She tallied 19 goals and 17 assists across 41 matches for club and country, driving monumental collective successes. Andrés Iniesta, a Barcelona and Spain legend, took the stage to present the women’s award, evoking memories of past glories while praising Bonmatí’s versatility.
- Highlights included Lamine Yamal winning the Kopa Trophy as the best young player.
- Jenni Hermoso received the Sócrates Award for her advocacy against harassment in sports.
- Barcelona was named the Women’s Club of the Year, reinforcing its dominance.
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Iniesta opened the envelope, confirming Bonmatí’s name to a roaring crowd. She dedicated the award to her teammates, emphasizing the collective effort behind Barcelona’s historic quadruple in the season.
Iconic Paris ceremony unveils global talents
The Théâtre du Châtelet became the epicenter of world football on that rainy October evening. The Ballon d’Or, expanded to include women’s categories since 2018, drew votes from 185 countries’ journalists, captains, and coaches. Bonmatí, born in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Catalonia, edged out Barcelona teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo in a tight internal race that showcased the club’s strength.
Iniesta, retired since 2018, shared anecdotes from his storied career, including his 2010 World Cup-winning goal. He spoke of new ambitions, like becoming a coach, before announcing the winner. Whispers among attendees noted the absence of tributes to Cristiano Ronaldo, a seven-time men’s winner, but the focus remained on the women’s category.
The top ten finalists were revealed gradually, building suspense. England’s Hannah Hampton, the best goalkeeper, placed tenth, followed by Lucy Bronze in ninth. Polish striker Ewa Pajor took eighth, with Arsenal’s Lea Williamson and Barcelona’s Patricia Guijarro in seventh and sixth. Chloe Kelly and Alexia Putellas rounded out the top six, with Alessia Russo in third. Bonmatí and Mariona Caldentey battled for the crown until the final moment.
Bonmatí, a 2023 winner, thanked her family and club in a concise speech, stressing the need for female role models in her youth. The night continued with secondary awards, including Best Coach for Emma Hayes, who led the USA to Olympic gold in Paris 2024.
Achievements paving the road to glory
Barcelona dominated Spain’s Liga F for the sixth straight year, with Bonmatí as the midfield engine. She played every key match, delivering pinpoint passes and clinical finishes. In the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Barcelona defeated Lyon 2-0 in the final, with Bonmatí named player of the match for the second consecutive season. Her goal and assist against Chelsea in the semifinals proved pivotal.
For Spain, Bonmatí spearheaded the inaugural Women’s Nations League title, scoring in a 2-0 final win over France. After being named the 2023 World Cup’s best player, she maintained her form in 2024, despite Spain’s bronze-medal loss to Germany at the Olympics. These feats earned her points in the voting, based on individual performance, team success, and fair play.
- Barcelona achieved a historic quadruple: Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa, and Champions League.
- Bonmatí signed a four-year contract extension in September 2024, ensuring stability.
- She became the second woman to win the Laureus World Sports Award in February.
Analysts highlight her game vision and tempo control as key strengths. Starting at Barcelona’s academy at 13, Bonmatí traveled two hours daily from her hometown, a dedication that shaped her relentless career, now exceeding 300 senior club matches.
Fierce rivalries shape the finalist rankings
The Ballon d’Or Féminin race reflects the sport’s global rise. Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen, second place, dazzled on Barcelona’s wings, scoring in the Champions League final. Spain’s Salma Paralluelo, third, shone with speed and goals. Sophia Smith of the USA took fourth after a stellar Olympic campaign.
England’s Alessia Russo surprised in fifth with standout Premier League and Euro performances. US captain Lindsey Horan and Mallory Swanson, fueled by Olympic gold, secured sixth and seventh. France’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto and American Trinity Rodman completed the top ten. Mariona Caldentey, now at Arsenal after leaving Barcelona, celebrated eighth despite her transition.
These players signal a professionalized era, with leagues like the NWSL and Women’s Super League raising standards. Bonmatí’s consistency across competitions set her apart, earning her three more voting points than Hansen, a slim but telling margin.
Iniesta’s legacy inspires the next generation
Andrés Iniesta, presenting the award, embodied Barcelona’s bridge between eras. The 2010 World Cup hero praised Bonmatí’s elegance, likening it to his own knack for simplifying complex plays. Now exploring coaching, Iniesta called the Ballon d’Or a shared dream. Bonmatí cited him as an early influence, crediting lessons in patience and vision.
- Iniesta played 16 years at Barcelona, winning 32 titles.
- His World Cup final goal remains one of football’s most iconic moments.
- He now explores roles as an ambassador and potential coach.
Their exchange underscored Barcelona’s ethos of nurturing excellence. Bonmatí, a La Masia product since 14, carries this tradition, inspiring young girls in academies worldwide.
Barcelona cements European dominance
Barcelona’s Women’s Club of the Year award was no surprise after a 2023-2024 season of dominance. Undefeated in Liga F, they scored 92 goals in 30 matches, with Bonmatí driving the attack. A 5-0 Copa de la Reina final win over Real Sociedad and a Supercopa title completed the domestic haul.
In the Champions League, victories over Wolfsburg and Brann led to a second straight title against Lyon. Coach Jonatan Giráldez, now at Washington Spirit, credited Bonmatí’s leadership. Barcelona’s growing budget fuels infrastructure that attracts global talent.
- Over 80% of the squad are academy graduates.
- The club averaged 45,000 fans per home game.
- UEFA partnerships aim to expand women’s football in Europe.
This collective success elevates individual stars, with Bonmatí as the emblem. She played every final, securing trophies that build on the 2021 team’s pioneering European title.
Voices from the stage echo team gratitude
Wearing Barcelona’s blue and red, Bonmatí accepted the trophy with quiet pride. Her speech, in Catalan and Spanish, thanked her parents, Vicent and Rosa, for supporting her early days on makeshift pitches. She noted the lack of female role models growing up, vowing to inspire future generations.
“This award belongs to all of us at Barcelona and Spain,” she said, praising Hansen and Paralluelo. Bonmatí, with 12 Champions League goals, emphasized fair play as a voting factor. France Football noted her humanitarian work, aligning with the Sócrates Award.
The ceremony paid tribute to legends, with videos of 2021 and 2022 winner Alexia Putellas, despite her knee injury. Bonmatí, recovered from a March ankle sprain, embodies resilience. Her contract renewal ensures her pursuit of more titles in 2024-2025.
Impact beyond the pitch
Bonmatí extends her influence to social causes, backing campaigns against sexism in sports. After the 2023 Rubiales scandal, she spoke out, driving changes in Spain’s football federation. Her 2024 Laureus Award, a first for a female footballer, recognizes this scope.
For Spain, she anchored the Nations League midfield, dismantling defenses with precise passes. Since debuting in 2017, she has 50 caps and 20 goals. Her blend of technique and intensity draws scouts and fans, boosting women’s football in Europe.
- Supports educational projects for girls in Catalonia.
- Collaborates with NGOs for gender equality in sports.
- Discusses athlete mental health in podcasts.
These efforts complement her athletic profile, making her a complete icon. The Ballon d’Or, a 10-12 kg handcrafted gold trophy, symbolizes her skill and commitment.
Season of standout numbers
Bonmatí played 51 matches, with a 90%+ pass accuracy. Her 19 Barcelona goals included Liga F hat-tricks, while 17 assists set club records. For Spain, she helped win 10 of 12 matches, including an unbeaten Nations League run.
Barcelona kept clean sheets in 70% of European games, per Opta data. Compared to Putellas, Bonmatí’s versatility as a No. 8 and 10 stands out. Her yoga-enhanced training and protein-rich Catalan diet sustain her durability, rare among peers like Horan, who faced Olympic fatigue.
Bright future for the blaugrana star
With a contract until 2028, Bonmatí targets a Champions League three-peat. Barcelona plans an Asian tour to grow its fanbase, with her as the face. For Spain, she prepares for Euro 2025 qualifiers, aiming to defend the world title.
Rival coaches, like Lyon’s Sonia Bompastor, praise her tactical intelligence. Bonmatí studies Xavi and Iniesta footage, adapting to a physical game. Her agent fields endorsement offers, but she prioritizes the pitch.
- Aims to break Liga F assist records.
- Plans friendlies against Asian teams.
- Mentors young Catalan players.
Her strategic vision positions her for more trophies, continuing Barcelona’s cycle of excellence.
