Aitana Bonmatí, the Spanish international who won her second Ballon d’Or, celebrated the achievement and reflected on her career and the desired impact for the future.
“Fifteen years ago, I never imagined I’d be here, receiving my second Ballon d’Or in a row. To the girls, I would say: learn from the process, because it makes you stronger. With determination and mentality, anything is possible”, Bonmatí said at the end of the ceremony.
Aitana also emphasised the importance of being a role model for young people, both girls and boys.
“I want to be a reference for everything we women need to fight for, both in terms of equality in football and in the world”, she emphasised. With a remarkable year, Bonmatí won titles with Barcelona, winning the F League and the UEFA Champions League, as well as triumphing with the Spanish national team in the Nations League.
“It’s an honour to be here. It represents a job well done. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by the best players in the world, to whom I owe this award”, she emphasised. Bonmatí was one of the main figures for La Roja during their victory at the World Championships in Sydney in August 2023.