By 90min | Created at 2024-10-29 21:33:02 | Updated at 2024-11-05 16:36:10
1 week ago
Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati was crowned winner of the Ballon d'Or Feminin for the second year running on Monday night.
The 26-year-old won the prize for the first time in 2023 after Spain stormed to victory in the World Cup final. This year, Barcelona retained their Champions League trophy, and Bonmati was one of the key drivers behind their quadruple-winning season.
Bonmati's Barcelona teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo completed the top three women's players of the year. Despite the United States securing the gold medal at the Olympics, Sophia Smith, Lindsey Horan and Mallory Swanson finished fourth, fifth and sixth.
The highest-ranked English player was Chelsea’s Lauren James in 13th, and she was followed by Lucy Bronze in 20th. On social media platform X, Bonmati was praised for another outstanding year with Barcelona...
2021—Alexia Putellas
2022—Alexia Putellas
2023—Aitana Bonmatí
2024—Aitana Bonmatí
The last 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 women's Ballons d'Or have been won by Barcelona 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/sIXmqFVLfz
The best women’s player in the world: Aitana Bonmatí. pic.twitter.com/x88rMpRxY8
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 28, 2024History repeats itself as Aitana Bonmatí claims consecutive Ballon d'Or trophies 👏🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/higpwhSRwq
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) October 29, 2024However, there were a few supporters left frustrated by the result. In 2023, Bonmati was integral to Barcelona's Champions League triumph, as well as Spain's historical World Cup victory over England.
This year, Spain were victorious in the Nations League, but struggled to make an impact at the Olympic games as they finished fourth behind Germany, Brazil and the champion United States. Bonmati's recognition largely centres around Barcelona's quadruple-winning season, but some supporters felt her club teammate, Graham Hansen, was a more deserving winner.
Despite being one of the most talented footballers in the women's game, the Norway international was nominated for the prize for the first time this year. Some are delighted Graham Hansen is finally getting the recognition she deserves, but others felt it should have gone a step further...
I love Aitana Bonmati but Caroline Graham Hansen deserved it more
— 𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐚👊🏾 (@JonahMulimira) October 28, 2024Can’t really argue with Aitana Bonmatí going back to back although Caroline Graham Hansen deserves more flowers for another special season #BallonDor
— Lauren 💫 (@laurencoys) October 28, 2024Bonmati wins the Ballon d'or? Fair play, I think Hansen should have won but Bonmati is fantastic anyway.
— Kainé 💙❤️ (@KaineBarcaFC) October 28, 2024She didn't win the prize but she was equally deserving as the winner
Caroline Graham Hansen, you are a superstar 🌟 pic.twitter.com/tGG5UKK1Bi
Caroline Graham Hansen should have won this 👍🏼.
Best by a distance https://t.co/UcN8vC5wQf
I'm biased, but I think Caroline Graham Hansen should have one the #BallonDor - her club season last year in terms of goals and assists was off the charts.
— Philip O'Connor (@philipoconnor) October 28, 2024Caroline Graham Hansen sadly has been overlooked once again....
She is such a wonderfully gifted player...#BallonDor
- Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
- Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)
- Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
- Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns)
- Lindsey Horan (Lyon)
- Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)
- Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)
- Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
