Aitana: 'I'm speechless. Being Best Sportswoman is unique'

Aitana Bonmatí is still trying to let it sink in. She has just been named the Best Sportswoman of 2023 at the Laureus Awards ceremony, an even bigger accolade than the Ballon d'Or because this is not just for being the best footballer, it's for being the best athlete full stop. The leader of Spain's World Cup winning team has in fact become the very first footballer to scoop the big prize, which tends to go to players of individual disciplines.

After receiving prize from sporting greats sprinter Usain Bolt and skier Lindsey Vonn, she said that "last year was incredible, but I always think about the team component of football. We won everything with Barça and Spain. Without my team-mates this would never have been possible."

"I'm speechless. To be recognised as the greatest sportswomen, with so many brilliant female athletes in the world, is unique. And I'm the first footballer ever to win it, which makes it even more special."

Always aware of the social implications, she added that "I feel a huge responsibility, but we are being heard more and more. What you do off the pitch is just as important as what you do on it. We want to raise our voices to ensure progress and to achieve a fairer and more equal society."