Aitana Bonmatí wins Ballon d’Or for the first time, ahead of Sam Kerr and Salma Paralluelo.
The 25-year-old Barcelona player debuted for the senior team in 2016. She soon became one of Blaugrana key players. In the last season, Bonmati led the Catalan team to another Liga F title, while becoming the World Champion with La Roja. She was also awarded MVP of the tournament award. The Spanish midfielder succeeds her teammate, Alexia Putellas, as Ballon d’Or winner. Barcelona, which was also declared the best team of the year, had six players among the Top 30 Ballon d’Or ranking.
PLEASE, A STANDING OVATION FOR AITANA! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/a6zel7QUmk
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
“I’m very proud. It has been an exceptional year on a personal level, but football is a collective sport, so I extend this award to all my teammates, the technical staff and the club’s workers,” said Bonmati after receiving the trophy.
Sam Kerr from Chelsea came in second, while another Barça player, Salma Paralluelo came in third.