Aitana Bonmati wins third consecutive Ballon d'Or

Despite falling just short of Champions League glory with Barcelona and missing out on the Euros with Spain, her performances were simply unrivalled.

The Spanish star now holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or titles in women's football history, surpassing her compatriot Alexia Putellas, who won the award twice. Bonmati's unprecedented achievement of three consecutive Ballons d'Or awards cements her status as one of the game's all-time greats.

This season, Bonmati again demonstrated her remarkable influence on both club and country. She topped the final shortlist ahead of Mariona Caldentey, her former Barcelona teammate and European Championship finalist with Spain.

The award recognises not only her individual brilliance but also her leadership and consistency at the highest level.

Her third consecutive Ballon d'Or also highlights the dominance of Spanish women's football on the global stage. It marks the fifth straight year that a Spanish player has claimed the honour, following Alexia Putellas' victories in 2021 and 2022 and Bonmati's own wins in 2023 and 2024.

Her achievement reflects a period of unparalleled success for Spain, with the national team and Barcelona establishing themselves as forces to be reckoned with in Europe and beyond.