Spain’s Bonmatí continues reign but Ballon d’Or contest is getting tougher

Barcelona star won again but teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo will have run her close

Among the Parisian glitz and glamour, Aitana Bonmatí wrote herself into the headlines once again. As she was called to the stage to win her second Ballon d’Or Féminin award, the iconic Spaniard continues her reign at the very top of the women’s game. It was somewhat apt that she received her trophy from Natalie Portman, a sprinkling of Hollywood stardust to top the occasion.

There is no doubt that the 26-year-old midfield magician continued to be at the height of her powers as Barcelona dominated the European stage. I wrote in my Ballon d’Or piece last year that watching her play is a privilege and that sentiment has not waned. Over the course of last season, she was quite literally at the heart of her club’s success as they picked up every domestic trophy available (the Liga F title, the Copa de la Reina and Supercopa). She added another Champions League win to her collection and was named UWCL player of the season. Silverware also came for her country as Spain lifted the inaugural Nations League back in February and she was named player of the match in the final against France.