Aitana Bonmatí Clinches Third Consecutive Ballon d'Or Féminin, Joining Messi and Platini

On September 22, 2025, Barcelona’s midfield dynamo Aitana Bonmatí lifted the Ballon d'Or Féminin trophy for the third year in a row. At 26, she now shares a tiny elite club with Lionel Messi and Michel Platini – the only players ever to claim three successive Ballon d'Or honors. The win cements her status as a cornerstone of both club and country, and it sends a clear signal about the growing clout of the women’s game.

Historic Third Win and What It Means

Bonmatí’s journey from a shy kid watching men’s matches on TV to the most decorated female footballer of her generation reads like a modern fairy tale. In her acceptance speech she confessed, “I never imagined women’s football could reach this level when I was a child.” That moment resonated with millions of girls who see her as proof that the sport’s ceiling is being lifted.

Her performances over the past three seasons have been nothing short of spectacular. With Barcelona, she has driven the team to back‑to‑back UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, orchestrated countless decisive passes, and scored crucial goals in tight knockout ties. On the international stage, Bonmatí has been the engine behind Spain’s rise to the top of the FIFA women’s rankings, helping the national side secure a major tournament final and showcase a brand of football that mixes flair with tactical discipline.

Statistically, she has averaged over 0.6 goal contributions per game in the last two La Liga seasons, boasted a passing accuracy above 88%, and covered more ground than any other midfielder in Europe’s top leagues. Those numbers, paired with her leadership qualities – she captains Barcelona on the pitch and serves as a veteran voice in the Spanish squad – gave voters a compelling case for the top honor.

Debate Over the Vote and the European Bias Question

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the award did not go unchallenged. A chorus of analysts pointed to other standout performers who, in their view, deserved a shot at the prize. Names like Mariona Caldentey (another Barcelona star), England’s Alessia Russo, and Brazilian legend Marta were floated as serious contenders. The discussion highlighted the depth of talent in the women's game and sparked a broader conversation about how the voting system operates.

• Mariona Caldentey – led Barcelona with 22 goals in the league and shone in the Champions League final.
• Alessia Russo – broke the English record for most assists in a single season and drove her club to a historic cup run.
• Marta – continued to defy age, adding another 15‑goal season and mentoring young players across Brazil.

Critics argue that the Ballon d'Or voting panel, heavily composed of European journalists and former players, may tilt the scales toward those who ply their trade in the continent’s top leagues. They point out that standout performers in South America, Asia, and North America often receive less media exposure, which can translate into fewer votes. This perceived European bias mirrors earlier debates in the men’s game and fuels calls for a more globally representative voting body.

Supporters of Bonmatí counter that her achievements are undeniably superior when measured against her peers, especially given the high‑stakes matches she has influenced. They note that she consistently performs at the highest level of competition – the UEFA Women’s Champions League – whereas many critics’ favorites play in leagues with lower overall standards.

The ceremony itself also unveiled other categories, such as the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper and the Kopa Trophy for the best young player, though the winners were not immediately released. Those awards, like the Ballon d’Or, often become talking points for fans and pundits alike, further underscoring the growing prestige of women’s football accolades.

Bonmatí’s third straight triumph is more than a personal milestone; it is a barometer of how far the women’s side of the sport has come. Her story, stitched together with hard work, tactical intelligence, and an unwavering belief in herself, offers a roadmap for the next generation of players. Whether the voting process will evolve to address the bias concerns remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Aitana Bonmatí has set a new standard for excellence on and off the pitch.