Barcelona star, Aitana Bonmatí has once again been crowned the best female footballer in the world, securing the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin.
This marks her third consecutive Golden Ball, an achievement that cements her status as one of the greatest players of her generation. The Spanish midfielder edged out strong competition from her Barcelona teammate Mariona Caldentey, England striker Alessia Russo, and fellow Barça icon Alexia Putellas to claim the prize.
Bonmatí, who was visibly emotional as she accepted the award, reflected on the significance of the moment and her journey:
“Good evening. I’m going to improvise a bit. Third time here in a row, I don’t really know what to say. Incredible. Thanks to France Football first of all for giving me the third,” she said.
“It could have easily gone to any of you. I think the level has been high this year. My teammates here have had a great year. To receive this from Iniesta, one of my idols since I was little, and also with Xavi present… my football is partly thanks to them.”
The midfielder also celebrated the progress women’s football has made, particularly with the Ballon d’Or now offering the same level of recognition as the men’s award.
“This is the first year we have the same prizes as the men’s team, and that’s appreciated. Equality is something we’ve been demanding for a long time. Today we’ve achieved it,” she noted.
Bonmatí ended her speech with heartfelt gratitude to her club, teammates, family, and supporters:
Aitana Bonmatí, three times in a row! Can you believe it? 🤯#ballondor pic.twitter.com/qT53wjKiSV
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025
“To Barça, to Joan Laporta, the president and the board, teammates, staff… we didn’t achieve this alone. It’s thanks to a tremendous collective effort. Thank you to Barça, the club of my life. I can’t forget my people, my friends, my family, and all the people who help me become a better player and a better person.”
Her third straight Ballon d’Or further strengthens Barcelona’s dominance in women’s football and adds to her growing legacy as one of the sport’s most decorated players.