Barcelona Femenin star Aitana Bonmatí became the first player to win the Ballon d’Or Féminin three times with her current victory.
The Spanish midfielder had won the previous two individual titles after dominating with Barcelona and Spain, and she completed her hat trick during Monday’s event.
Lionel Messi was the last player to win three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards, winning four between 2009 and 2012.
Michel Platini, a former French midfielder, is the only other player to have won the prestigious award in three consecutive seasons (1983-85).
Bonmatí’s victory as the reigning champion was expected, although he did not receive the same widespread acclaim as in previous years.
Barcelona’s domestic supremacy was highlighted by three home trophies, but the Catalans did lose two league games—more than they had in the previous five seasons combined.
After two years as the unquestioned centerpiece of Barcelona and the Spain national team while Alexia Putellas (a two-time Ballon d’Or winner) recovered from an ACL tear, Bonmatí had to shift to a new role in tandem with his compatriot.
Despite the champagne problem, both players scored and assisted in double digits as Barcelona reached the Champions League final for the fifth consecutive season.
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However, after two consecutive titles, Bonmatí and her teammates were stunned by a disciplined Arsenal side, which battled out a 1-0 win in Lisbon.
Two months later, Bonmatí suffered heartbreak when her spot kick was saved in Spain’s penalty shootout.
Yet, the fact that Bonmatí was on the pitch at all is a testament to her tenacious character.
The 27-year-old prepared for the tournament in the hospital while being treated for viral meningitis.
However, Bonmatí was fit enough to come off the bench in the first match of the group stage and had already won her place back by the knockouts.
She scored the only goal of the semifinal, beating Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger with an unbelievable thump.
UEFA’s technical committee was not alone in naming her Player of the Tournament.
Following the Euro 2025 final, Bonmatí addressed the media. “I’m in shock,” she said. “We gave everything. I must apologize for missing my penalty and congratulate England.” Yet, as everyone in Spain was all too quick to point out, Bonmatí need not apologize for anything.
