Bonmati claims historic third Ballon d’Or after remarkable comeback season

Spain and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati has etched her name into football history by becoming the first woman to win the Ballon d’Or Féminin three times, Sport360NG reports.

The 27-year-old midfielder took home the 2025 prize, finishing ahead of compatriot Mariona Caldentey, while five England internationals featured in the top 10, including Arsenal’s Alessia Russo in third place.

Bonmati, who previously collected the award in 2023 and 2024, extends Barcelona’s dominance of the trophy to five consecutive years, following Alexia Putellas’ back-to-back triumphs in 2021 and 2022.

Receiving the award from club legend Andrés Iniesta, Bonmati described the achievement as surreal:

“It’s my third time in a row here, and I still can’t believe it. The level has been so high this year, this award could have gone to many of my teammates. To receive it from Iniesta, one of my idols growing up, makes it even more special. Barcelona is my home, and I hope to represent this club for many more years.”

England well represented

The Lionesses enjoyed a strong presence in the rankings. Russo finished third, Chloe Kelly came fifth, and Leah Williamson seventh. Chelsea duo Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton were ninth and 10th, while Emily Fox (25th), Frida Maanum (27th), and Steph Catley (29th) also featured further down the list.

Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd placed 15th and 23rd, with Pernille Harder (20th) and Scotland’s Caroline Weir (30th) also among the finalists.

It was a memorable evening for England overall, as national team boss Sarina Wiegman collected the women’s coach of the year award, and Hampton was recognised as the world’s best goalkeeper.

From hospital bed to Euros final

Bonmati’s year was as dramatic off the pitch as it was on it. Just days before Euro 2025, she was hospitalised with viral meningitis, casting serious doubt over her participation. Against the odds, she not only returned but also delivered one of the tournament’s standout moments, scoring the decisive extra-time goal in Spain’s semi-final win over Germany.

Although Spain fell short in the final, losing to England on penalties, her resilience and influence cemented her reputation as a match-winner.

“Scoring in a game like that was incredible,” she said afterwards. “To help Spain make history by reaching the final means everything.”

Another glittering season with Barcelona

Despite setbacks at international level, Bonmati was once again central to Barcelona’s domestic success. She scored 12 goals and provided six assists in the league as her team sealed another title, finishing eight points clear of Real Madrid.

In the Champions League, she registered nine goal involvements in 11 games and was named UEFA’s Player of the Season, even though Barça fell to Arsenal in the final.

A career already among the greats

Bonmati’s individual honours continue to grow. Alongside her three Ballon d’Ors, she has twice been named FIFA Best Women’s Player, three times UEFA’s Player of the Season, and has already lifted an extraordinary collection of trophies with Barcelona: seven league titles, three Champions Leagues, nine Copa de la Reina crowns, and five Spanish Super Cups.

With her latest accolade, the La Masia graduate has further underlined her status as one of the greatest midfielders of her generation.