Barcelona and Spain international Femení Aitana Bonmatí became the first player ever to win the Ballon d’Or Féminin three times with her latest triumph.
The Spanish midfielder won the last two individual awards after leading Barcelona and Spain to victory, before winning her third at Monday’s ceremony. Messi is the only player to have won three consecutive Ballon d’Ors, getting four from 2009 to 2012. The only other person to win the award three times in a row (1983–85) was former French midfielder Michel Platini.
Bonmatí’s victory as champion wasn’t surprising, but her performance didn’t receive the same praise as before.
Three home trophies highlighted Barcelona’s domestic success, but they lost twice in the league, equalling their losses from the last five seasons.
“It’s incredible, this feeling. I never thought when I was a kid that I could achieve this because I didn’t think women’s football can exist,” Bonmati said.
“I had idols like Andres Iniesta and Xavi, and when I was a kid, I only saw them on TV. It’s incredible to be here and make history.
“But all of these trophies are because of collective work. We had a difficult season because we won some trophies, but we also lost some to amazing footballers.”