Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati made history on Monday night at the 2025 Ballon d’Or award ceremony.
The Barcelona women playmaker was voted as the best female footballer in the world by journalists and claimed the award for a third straight year.
She joined elite company in achieving this feat, with only Michel Platini and Lionel Messi the only players to have won the award for three straight years.
Bonmati was influential in Barcelona’s league and cup double win, while she also helped them to the UEFA Women’s Champions League final, before they lost 1-0 to Arsenal.
The 27-year-old was also named the Player of the Tournament at the Women’s European championships in the summer, where Spain were defeated 1-0 by two-time defending champions England.
Arsenal’s Mario Caldentey and Alessia Russo were also in the mix for the award, but finished second and third respectively.
Speaking after the event, Bonmati stated that she was surprised at her announcement as winner, but expressed desire to achieve more greatness.
“Anything could have happened, another colleague could have won it and that’s why I didn’t prepare my speech,” Bonmatí said at the Ballon d’Or events.
“There are still things left to achieve. I think ambition and a [winning] mentality is what drives me. I’m going to continue adding to football and to my club.”
Bonmati makes history
With her win on Monday night, the Spanish midfielder became the only female footballer to have won the award on more than two occasions, eclipsing Alexia Putellas’ two awards.
She is also the third ever player to win the award three years in a row and will now be eyeing winning a fourth consecutive award in the coming year.
With Barcelona’s pedigree and her growing influence on the sport, perhaps Bonmati could still be called on to the big stage in 2026 and announced winner for a fourth year running.
