Aitana Bonmatí is The Best!
Another award for Aitana Bonmatí. The Barça midfielder has been named the winner of the 'The Best' award at the FIFA gala for the 2022/23 season thereby adding another prize to her already burgeoning collection.
At the Eventim Apollo venue in London the Barça number 14 received her award at the gala ceremony organised by football's world governing body, finishing ahead of her fellow World Cup winner and former team mate Jenni Hermoso and Real Madrid's Linda Caicedo.
Acceptance speech
On collecting her trophy, Aitana said "two weeks ago, when 2023 ended, I got all nostalgic. It's been such an exceptional, unique year, and I'll remember it all my life. I'm so proud to start 2024 with this prize, but I owe it to the teams I belong to, Barça and the national team."
Switching to Catalan, she thanked "my team-mates, the staff, directors, club employees, thank you so much, and also to everyone working with the national team. I wouldn't be where I am today without you and I wouldn't be the player I am. My eternal thanks to everyone who has never let me down, my family, friends, everyone who has been here for me. I congratulate all the nominees and feel proud to be part of such a powerful group of female players who are helping to change the world."
As well as her nearest and dearest, Aitana was joined on this special day by Elena Fort, vice-president of the Institutional Area and Xavier Puig, the board member responsible for women's football.
Another award for the best in the world
The midfielder from Sant Pere de Ribes near Barcelona has won almost everything there is to win with Barça so far in her career; league titles, the Champions League as well as claiming the World Cup with the national side. On an individual level, Bonmatí was awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or award in October of last week at a ceremony in Paris.
In London, the best female player in the world was accompanied by her family and friends as well as representatives from FC Barcelona lead by vice president of the Institutional Area Elena Fort and board member with responsibility for women's football, Xavier Puig.