Aitana Bonmatí has once again been named FIFA’s best female player of the year, taking home her third consecutive The Best award. The Barcelona midfielder finished ahead of Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey and teammate Alexia Putellas, securing 52 points to Mariona’s 40 and Alexia’s 33.
“It’s an honor to receive it for the third year in a row. I am very grateful for the votes from teammates, coaches, and the support of the fans,” Bonmatí said, reflecting her gratitude for the recognition. She also dedicated the award to the club, stating on social media, “I dedicate this to all of Barcelona. I hope to return as soon as possible, and I am fully focused on my recovery with a lot of eagerness to get back on the field.”
The midfielder has endured a challenging year, suffering a fracture of her left fibula during a Spanish national team camp in late November. Despite the setback, she had already made a significant impact for Barça in 2025, recording six goals and three assists in 15 appearances before her injury. Her performances over the 2024-25 season were even more prolific, with 15 goals in 44 matches, helping Barcelona achieve a domestic treble of the Supercopa de España, La Liga, and Copa del Rey. She was also named MVP of the Euro 2025 despite Spain falling in the final.
Bonmatí’s recognition further cements Barcelona’s dominance in women’s football. Alongside Alexia Putellas, she has driven the club to unprecedented heights, with five of the ten FIFA The Best awards in the women’s category now belonging to Barça players. The club also boasts six players in the FIFA women’s best eleven, including Bonmatí, Alexia, Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Patri Guijarro, and Claudia Pina.
In the men’s category, Ousmane Dembelé mirrored Bonmatí’s feat, winning both The Best and the Ballon d’Or. Meanwhile, Sarina Wiegman was named best women’s coach for guiding England to a Euro 2025 title over Spain in the final via penalties. Gianluca Donnarumma and Hannah Hampton were awarded best goalkeeper honors for 2025, while the Puskas and Marta awards went to Santiago Montiel and Lizbeth Ovalle, respectively.
