BY Nadia Ntiamoah
Spanish and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has become the first player to win the Women’s Ballon d’Or three times, cementing her position as one of the greatest female footballers of all time.
Bonmati, 27, received the award on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France, beating out Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo, who finished second and third, respectively.
Bonmati’s Dominant Performance
Bonmati’s latest win marks her third consecutive Ballon d’Or award, following her triumphs in 2023 and 2024.
Her impressive performance in the 2024-25 season played a crucial role in Barcelona’s success, helping the team win a domestic treble, including the Liga F, Copa de la Reina, and Supercopa.
Bonmati also guided Spain to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, where they narrowly lost to England on penalties. Despite preparing for the tournament while being treated for viral meningitis, Bonmati featured in every match and was named Player of the Tournament.
Barcelona’s Unmatched Dominance
Bonmati’s win ensures that Barcelona players have won the Ballon d’Or for five consecutive years, with Alexia Putellas claiming the award in 2021 and 2022.
This dominance is unmatched in women’s football, with Barcelona players accounting for nine podium finishes in the last five years.
The club’s success can be attributed to Bonmati’s exceptional skills, as evident in her decisive semifinal strike against Germany in the Euro 2025 tournament.
Historic Achievement
By winning her third Ballon d’Or, Bonmati joins an elite group of players, including Michel Platini and Lionel Messi, who have won the award three times consecutively.
Her achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. As Bonmati herself said, “I’m going to improvise a bit. Third time here in a row, I don’t really know what to say. Incredible. Thanks to France Football for this, for the third time – it really could have gone to anyone”.
