When Aitana Bonmatí stepped onto the stage at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, there was a buzz that felt more like a celebration of an era than a simple award ceremony. The 26‑year‑old Barcelona and Spain midfielder lifted the coveted trophy for the third straight time, cementing her place in a tiny club of three‑peat winners that includes Lionel Messi and Michel Platini. The moment was made even more powerful by the fact that she is the first woman ever to achieve this feat, turning a personal milestone into a milestone for the whole sport.
From the glittering lights to the applause echoing through the historic hall, the ceremony underscored how far the women's game has come. New categories such as the women's Kopa Trophy and Yashin Trophy were introduced, signalling that the industry is finally giving female talent the same spotlight it long reserved for men. In the midst of all that, Bonmatí’s name shone brightest, a testament to her consistent brilliance on both club and country stages.
The Ballon d'Or is rarely handed out to anyone who isn’t dominating the conversation around football that year, and Bonmatí has done just that. Her résumé reads like a highlight reel: three consecutive Ballon d'Or Féminin wins, a domestic treble with Barcelona, three Women’s Champions League crowns, a World Cup triumph, and a UEFA Nations League title with Spain. Add to that a Euro final appearance and you have a player who has been at the centre of every major success in women’s football over the past two years.
Barcelona’s dominance under coach Jonatan Giráldez has been nothing short of spectacular. In the 2024‑25 season the club secured La Liga, the Copa de la Reina and the Supercopa, a domestic treble that mirrors the club’s men’s achievements a decade ago. Yet, even a powerhouse shows its cracks; Barcelona lost two league games – a total they hadn’t reached in five seasons combined – hinting at an emerging parity in the women’s game that could make future battles even more thrilling.
Beyond the personal glory, Bonmatí’s third Ballon d'Or sends a loud message about the state of the women’s game. It proves that sustained excellence can now be celebrated on the biggest stages, just as it has for the men’s side for over 70 years. For young girls watching the ceremony, it’s a visual cue that a professional career in football is not just possible – it’s attainable.
Spain’s rise has been equally remarkable. After clinching the World Cup in Australia‑New Zealand, the national team added a Nations League win and fought valiantly to the Euro final, where they fell to England. The loss was a rare blemish in an otherwise glittering period, but it also highlighted the depth of talent in the squad, with players like Mariona Caldentey now shining at Arsenal and helping them lift their first Women’s Champions League trophy.
Bonmatí’s journey this season wasn’t without new hurdles. After two years of carrying the midfield torch while Alexia Putellas recovered from an ACL injury, the former Ballon d’Or winner made a comeback, re‑introducing competition for central roles. Rather than sparking a rivalry, the two legends have begun to share responsibilities, adding a richer tactical palette for both Barcelona and Spain. In interviews, Bonmatí admitted, “It’s a new challenge, but having Alexia back makes the team even stronger. We push each other to be better.”
Her quote at the ceremony summed up decades of progress in a single sentence: “It’s incredible this feeling. I never thought when I was a kid that women’s football could exist.” Those words resonated with anyone who has witnessed the sport’s evolution from modest local leagues to stadiums filled with tens of thousands of fans.
The ripple effect of her win is already evident. Sponsorship deals for women’s clubs have surged, broadcasting slots for the Women’s Champions League have expanded, and youth registration numbers in Spain have spiked by 18% since 2022, according to a recent report from the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Clubs across Europe are now allocating larger budgets for female squads, a trend that could close the gap between men’s and women’s football economics over the next decade.
Even the fashion world is catching on. Designers who once hesitated to create kits for women’s teams are now unveiling entire collections inspired by players like Bonmatí. It’s a cultural shift that goes hand‑in‑hand with the sport’s commercial growth, turning football stars into global icons.
Looking ahead, the big question isn’t whether Bonmatí will win another Ballon d'Or – it’s whether other players will be able to challenge her dominance. With Putellas back in form, Caldentey thriving in the English league, and a wave of new talent emerging from clubs like Lyon and Bayern, the competition is set to intensify.
For now, though, the night in Paris belongs to Aitana Bonmatí. Her historic third win isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a beacon showing how far women’s football has traveled and how far it can still go. The sport is entering a new chapter, and if the past few years are any indication, the story will only get more exciting.