Aitana

Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has made history by becoming the first player to win the women’s Ballon d’Or three times.

Bonmati, 27, took the award with her international team-mate, Arsenal winger Mariona Caldentey, coming second.

There were five England players in the top 10. Arsenal trio Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson came third, fifth and seventh respectively, with Chelsea duo Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton ninth and 10th.

Bonmati also won the award in 2023 and 2024. It means Barcelona players have won the honour in each of the past five years after midfielder Alexia Putellas earned the prize in 2021 and 2022.

Speaking on stage, Bonmati, who received the award from Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, said: “My third time in a row here, and I still can’t believe it. Incredible. Thank you to France Football for this, for the third time – it really could have gone to anyone.

“If it was possible to share it I would, because I think it has been a year with an exceptionally high level, above all among my team-mates, who had a great year.

“Also to receive it from the hands of Andres Iniesta, one of my idols since I was little, alongside Xavi. I learned my football from them – to this day I thank them for all that they have taught me. Thank you to them for everything that they have done in football.

“I owe Barcelona everything – this is the club of my life. I hope to represent this badge for many more years.”

The award, officially called the Ballon d’Or Feminin, recognises the best footballer of the year and is voted for by a jury of journalists.

Outside the top 10, Arsenal defenders Emily Fox and Steph Catley came 25th and 29th respectively, with midfielder Frida Maanum ending 27th. Chelsea pair Sandy Baltimore and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd finished 15th and 23rd, while former Blues midfielder Pernille Harder was 20th.

Scotland and Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir finished 30th in the vote.

It was a great night for the Lionesses as manager Sarina Wiegman won the women’s coach award and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton was named best women’s goalkeeper.

Spain had dominated possession, but they had struggled to break through a resilient defence in Zurich as Christian Wuck’s side dug deep to force extra time.

But with the game looking destined for a penalty shootout, Bonmati stepped up when it mattered – sending Spain to their first Women’s Euro final.

“It was not easy for [Bonmati] at the beginning of the tournament but she has a special personality to be at the maximum level,” said Spain boss Montse Tome.

Bonmati had cleverly darted into space between Germany defenders Rebecca Knaak and Franziska Kett, before receiving Del Castillo’s pass on the half-turn.

Despite the tight angle, she buried the ball in at the near post.

“Top-class players turn up in the moments and that’s what Spain needed. That’s why Bonmati is a Ballon d’Or winner,” ex-Scotland defender Jen Beattie said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Former England defender Steph Houghton added: “I honestly thought from Spain’s point of view she was definitely their best player and she’s got them through to their first-ever European Championship final.”

The goal sent the Spanish fans at Stadion Letzigrund into pandemonium, while the scorer was immediately embraced by members of La Roja’s bench.

“When the ball was in, I started running and I saw the bench standing so I celebrated with them,” said Bonmati.

“Scoring in a game like this one is super-special. If I can help the team write history, it’s very special.”

She added: “I was confident in my mentality and my physical situation. I wanted to get to this game at my best level. Thanks to all people who were next to me to help me reach this level.”

Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati is being treated in hospital for viral meningitis.

The 27-year-old, who has won the Ballon d’Or for the past two years, missed the 3-1 friendly win over Japan in Leganes, Spain, on Friday.

Euro 2025 in Switzerland starts on Wednesday and Spain play Portugal in their opening Group B game in Bern on Thursday.

Bonmati, who also won the Fifa women’s player of the year award in 2023 and 2024, shared a picture on Instagram of herself watching the Japan match from a hospital bed.

She did not train on Thursday and was taken to a hospital in Madrid on Friday with doctors from the Spanish Football Federation, who later confirmed the diagnosis., external

“Talking about meningitis can be scary but it is controlled,” said coach Montse Tome.