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Aitana Bonmatí Joins Messi In Ballon d’Or Legacy With 2025 Win
Barcelona Femení superstar, Aitana Bonmatí, became the first player to win the Ballon d’Or Féminin three times with her latest triumph.
The Spanish midfielder had claimed the previous two Ballon d’Or Féminin titles after dominating with Barcelona and Spain, before completing her hat-trick at Monday’s ceremony.
Lionel Messi was the last player to ever win three Ballon d’Or crowns on the spin, picking up four from 2009–12. Former French midfielder, Michel Platini is the only other individual to win the prestigious honor in three successive seasons (1983–85).
As the reigning holder, Bonmatí’s victory comes as no surprise, though her performances did not receiver of the same unanimous praise as in past years. Barcelona still showcased its domestic dominance, securing three trophies on home soil.
However, their campaign was blemished by two league defeats matching the total they had suffered over the previous five seasons combined.
This champagne problem still saw both players hit double digits for goals and assists as Barcelona returned to the Champions League final for the fifth season running.
However, after two successive titles, Bonmatí and her teammates were stunned by a disciplined Arsenal side which battled out a 1–0 win in Lisbon.
Bonmatí endured heartbreak in the Euro 2025 final, seeing her penalty saved as Spain fell to England in a dramatic shootout. That she even featured in the tournament was a remarkable display of resilience.
The 27-year-old had been treated for viral meningitis in the lead-up to the competition, preparing from a hospital bed. True to her fighting spirit, she returned to action as a substitute in Spain’s opening group match and reclaimed her starting spot by the knockout rounds.
After two years as the unquestioned leader for both Barcelona and Spain during Alexia Putellas’ ACL recovery, Bonmatí now faces a shift in dynamics.
She must readjust to sharing the spotlight alongside the two-time Ballon d’Or winner.
