Aitana Bonmati was over the moon after 2024 started in the best possible way for her. The 25-year-old footballer won the FIFA Women’s Player award for 2023 in London on January 15.
Bonmati edged past Linda Caicedo and Jennifer Hermoso on her way to winning the award. Bonmati collected 52 points while the other finalists, Linda and Jennifer, garnered 40 and 36 points respectively.
After finishing on top, Bonmati dedicated the award to the Spanish national team and FC Barcelona.
“A couple of weeks ago, when 2023 came to end, I was nostalgic because it was an exceptional and unique year that I will remember for the rest of my life. Starting out 2024 by collecting this award is incredible. But as I’ve said before, I owe it to the teams I played in: Barca, the national team. I owe it to the seasons we had,” Bonmati was quoted as saying.
“I wouldn’t be here with this award without all my team-mates, nor would I have become the player I am today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will always be grateful to those of you who helped me: my family, my friends and everyone who has supported me along the way,” she said.
“I would like to congratulate all the nominees. And also to say that I’m proud of being part of a powerful generation of women who are changing the rules of the game and the world,” Bonmati added.
Bonmati was a part of the Spanish team that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year in Australia and New Zealand. Bonmati put forward her A-game after she made 3 goals from 7 matches, helping her win the Golden Ball award. Spain won the mega event after beating England in the final.
Bonmati also won three more major titles in 2023 after guiding Barcelona through to victory in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Liga F, and Supercopa de Espana Femenina.
