The Ballon d’Or Féminin award annually recognizes the best players in women’s football, and for the third year in a row, that player is Aitana Bonmatí. She is now the player who has won the most Ballon d’Or Féminin awards, and the only player ever to win the award three consecutive times since it was introduced in 2018.
Bonmatí accepted the award at the September 22 ceremony in Paris.
“Good evening, I am a bit emotional,” said Bonmatí in her acceptance speech. “For the third time, I am here, this is amazing.
Thanks to France Football for the award for the third time, this season we delivered an outstanding performance.”
A midfielder who plays for Barcelona and Spain, Bonmatí is widely recognized as one of the best women’s footballers in the world. The 27-year-old is known for her superb technical ability, versatility, and winning record. She was impactful for Spain during the 2025 Euros, even while recovering from viral meningitis.
Barcelona had a successful year winning the domestic treble in Spain, although they lost the UEFA Women’s Champions League in the finals to Arsenal.
Bonmatí has an extensive list of accolades to her name, including the 2023 Women’s World Cup, three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, UEFA Women’s Nation’s League, and six Liga F titles. Her personal accolades include The Best FIFA Women’s Player, UEFA Women’s Player of the Year, and the Women’s World Cup Golden Ball.
The runners-up in the top five are Mariona Caldentey, Alessia Russo, Alexia Putellas, and Chloe Kelly.
The highest-placing NWSL player is Marta, the Brazilian legend who won the NWSL title with the Orlando Pride and came out of retirement to win the Copa América Femenina with Brazil this year.
Vicky Lopez, Bonmatí’s teammate for Spain and Barcelona, won the inaugural women’s Kopa Trophy, awarded to the top player under 21 years old in women’s football.
19-year-old Lopez has played with Barcelona since 16 years old, and has become an emerging star for the club. In the 2024-2025 season, she made 37 appearances and scored nine goals to help the team to a domestic treble.
The inaugural women’s Yashin Trophy was awarded to goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who won the domestic treble in England with Chelsea and the 2025 Euros with England. She played a pivotal role in England’s successful quest to defend their continental title, saving two penalty kicks in the final shootout.
England manager Sarina Wiegman was named Women’s Coach of the Year at the Ballon d’Or awards. She led England to win the Euros for the second time this year.
Arsenal was named Ballon d’Or’s Women’s Club of the Year, for their victory in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
