Aitana Bonmatí, from Spain, wins the Ballon d’Or – 10/30/2023 – Sport

The France Football magazine party, on the Parisian night of Monday (30), had the expected outcome for Aitana Bonmatí. The 25-year-old midfielder received the Ballon d’Or for her performance at Barcelona and, especially, with the Spanish national team.

Best player at the last World Cup, she won another award for her collection. And, shy at the ceremony that crowned her, she tried to thank her companions in the conquest of Spain, with triumph over England in the decision.

“I’m very proud to have received the Ballon d’Or. It was an incredible year. Receiving an individual award like this is great, but football is a team sport. I thank all the people who were fundamental for me to be here today”, she stated, nervous.

“I confess that I couldn’t sleep. I never imagined, as a child, that this dream would come true. I did become a great football player. I also want to congratulate everyone who was nominated here, they are all very strong and deserving”, she added .

Bonmatí, in addition to the World Cup with Spain, won the Champions League, the Spanish Championship and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona. There were 45 games in the 2022/23 season, with 20 goals and 23 assists.

Among his admirers is Catalan coach Pep Guardiola, winner of the last men’s Champions League with Manchester City. “I’m completely in love with the way she plays. I would say she’s like the Iniesta of women’s football,” he said.

In the voting, carried out by journalists from all over the world, Bonmatí was ahead of Australian Sam Kerr, from Chelsea, and Spanish Salma Paralluelo, her Barcelona and national team colleague. The only Brazilian on the list of the 30 best, Debinha, from Kansas City Current, came in 28th place.