Aitana Bonmatí Wins Third Straight Ballon d’Or Féminin

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí has been crowned the world’s best female footballer for the third consecutive year, winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin.

The Spanish star beat out tough competition from Barcelona teammate Mariona Caldentey, England striker Alessia Russo, and fellow Barça legend Alexia Putellas to secure the award.

Visibly emotional as she accepted the trophy, Bonmatí reflected on her journey and the significance of the moment:

“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.”

Bonmatí also praised the growing recognition for women’s football, noting the significance of the Ballon d’Or Féminin being celebrated on the same stage 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 concluded her speech by expressing deep appreciation to her club, teammates, family, and fans.

“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 consecutive Ballon d’Or cements Barcelona’s supremacy in women’s football and further solidifies her status as one of the sport’s most accomplished players

Aitana Bonmatí, three times in a row! Can you believe it? 🤯#ballondor pic.twitter.com/qT53wjKiSV

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025