Aitana Bonmatí Makes History with Third Consecutive Ballon D’Or Win

FC Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning her third consecutive Ballon D’Or, solidifying her status as one of the most outstanding players in women’s soccer. This historic accolade was presented at the 2025 Ballon D’Or France Football award ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on September 22, 2025. Bonmatí’s win marks her as the first woman to secure three Ballon D’Or trophies, a significant achievement in the award’s history.

The Ballon D’Or, awarded by France Football, recognizes the player who has demonstrated exceptional performance over the preceding season. Originally established for men in 1956, the women’s category was introduced in 2018. With only four winners since its inception—Ada Hegerberg, Megan Rapinoe, Alexia Putellas, and Aitana Bonmatí—this award holds immense prestige.

In the latest voting, Bonmatí triumphed over fellow Spanish international Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo, who played pivotal roles in defeating Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final. Russo was also part of the England squad that overcame the Spanish team in this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro. Reflecting on her win, Bonmatí expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s a source of pride, it was very competitive. I can only thank everyone. Many people have allowed me to take this path.”

Bonmatí’s victory continues a remarkable trend for Spanish players at FC Barcelona, marking the fifth consecutive year in which a Spanish international from the club has claimed the women’s Ballon D’Or. Before Bonmatí’s first title, Alexia Putellas had already set a high standard.

While accepting the award, Bonmatí highlighted the competitiveness of the field, noting that it “could have easily been any of my team-mates.” She acknowledged the contributions of her colleagues, including Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina, who finished in sixth and eleventh place, respectively. “If I could share it, I would because it’s been a great year,” she remarked.

Bonmatí’s achievement places her among an elite group of players. In the 69-year history of the Ballon D’Or, only two other players have won the award three times in succession: Michel Platini and Lionel Messi. Platini achieved this feat in the mid-1980s, while Messi won four consecutive titles from 2009 to 2012, a record number of wins overall.

The award was presented to Bonmatí by former FC Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta, a player she has long admired. She credited Iniesta and teammate Xavi Hernández for shaping her footballing journey. “My football today is thanks to them, for everything they taught me. I never imagined when I was a little girl that I could achieve something like this,” she said.

In addition to Bonmatí’s success, her club and international teammate Vicky López was honored with the inaugural women’s Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best female footballer under 21. López outperformed four other nominees, including Michelle Agyemang and Linda Caicedo. After receiving the trophy, she dedicated her achievement to her late mother, expressing gratitude to the RFEF and its staff for their support in her development as a player.

As the soccer world celebrates these accomplishments, Bonmatí’s focus now shifts to the upcoming World Cup in Brazil, where she hopes to continue her legacy and contribute to the ongoing influence of FC Barcelona and Catalonia in women’s soccer.