Aitana Bonmatí: Showcasing Brilliance in Women’s Football

Aitana Bonmatí, the Spanish and Barcelona midfield maestro, has ascended to a level of excellence few players in the history of the game have reached. With an array of accolades and an ever-growing legacy, Bonmatí has cemented herself as one of the greatest footballers of her generation. From her pivotal role in Barcelona’s dominance to her instrumental contributions to Spain’s international success, her 2024 campaign has been nothing short of phenomenal.

A Career Filled With Record-Breaking Achievements

Bonmatí’s remarkable achievements in recent years have redefined the standards of success in women’s football. Her list of accolades for 2024 alone looks like an entire career for most female players:

1. FIFA Women’s Player of the Year (2x)
   Bonmatí clinched her second consecutive FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award, a testament to her unmatched consistency and influence.
2. Ballon d’Or Féminin (2x)
   In October 2024, Bonmatí was awarded her second Ballon d’Or Féminin, recognizing her dominance at both the club and international levels. Her ability to control games, score crucial goals, and lead with composure earned her this prestigious honor.
3. UEFA Women’s Champions League Player of the Season
   Aitana was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s midfield as they secured their third consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League title. She contributed with goals, assists, and an all-encompassing midfield presence, earning her the Player of the Season award.
4. FIFA Women’s World Cup Winner
   Bonmatí was instrumental in Spain’s historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup triumph. Her contributions carried into 2024, where she helped Spain solidify their dominance on the international stage.
5. Laureus Sportswoman of the Year
   Recognized as the world’s best female athlete, Bonmatí joined the pantheon of all-time greats with the Laureus Award, celebrating her unprecedented achievements in the sport.
6. UEFA Women’s Nations League MVP
   Bonmatí guided Spain to victory in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League, further underlining her ability to deliver on the biggest stages.

Style of Play: The Architect of Excellence

Aitana Bonmatí’s playing style captures the modern midfielder’s intelligence, versatility, and dynamic. Her approach combines elegance with an unmatched work ethic, making her indispensable in any tactical system.

• Ball Retention and Vision: Bonmatí’s ability to retain possession under pressure is world-class. Her spatial awareness and pinpoint passing allow her to dictate the tempo of games. She averages 88% pass accuracy in 2024, with an impressive 2.5 key passes per game in the Champions League.
• Creative Ability: Often compared to her idol Andrés Iniesta, Bonmatí’s creativity shines in her ability to unlock defenses. She has provided 15 assists in the 2024 calendar year for club and country, demonstrating her knack for creating scoring opportunities.
• Goal-Scoring Ability: While primarily a playmaker, Bonmatí has added goal-scoring to her repertoire. She has scored 11 goals in the 2024 season, including crucial strikes in high-stakes matches, such as the UEFA Women’s Champions League final and Nations League semifinal.
• Tactical Intelligence: Bonmatí’s adaptability is her most underrated quality. Whether deployed as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even as a false nine, she excels in any role. Her defensive contributions—averaging 4 recoveries per game—make her a complete midfielder.

READ ALSO

Why Playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid Often Leads to Winning the Ballon d’Or

Raphinha: From being mocked to Barcelona’s star performer

2024 FIFA Best XI: Reasons for Palmer’s Exclusion, Yamal’s Selection

2024: A Year to Remember

Barcelona’s Dominance:

Bonmatí was at the heart of Barcelona’s unstoppable march in the 2024/25 season. With her orchestrating the midfield, Barcelona has secured and dominated the domestic league with her contributions of 8 goals and 7 assists. Moreover, scoring in the final and assisting twice in the semifinal, she led Barcelona to their third consecutive European crown.

Spain’s Continued Glory

After leading Spain to World Cup glory in 2023, Bonmatí continued her international brilliance in 2024. Bonmatí scored twice and assisted three times in the competition, earning the MVP award. In addition, she has consistently expressed leadership both on and off the pitch and has been pivotal in uniting the team during a transformative era for Spanish football.

Statistics in 2024 (Club & Country)

• Appearances: 51
• Goals: 19
• Assists: 20
• Pass Accuracy: 88%
• Key Passes Per Game: 2.5
• Recoveries Per Game: 4

Legacy and the Future

At just 26 years old, Aitana Bonmatí is already considered one of the greatest midfielders ever. Her ability to consistently perform at the highest level while continuously evolving her game sets her apart. Critics have drawn comparisons to legendary figures like Xavi, Iniesta, and Luka Modrić are not just mere talk, they are what she deserves.

As Bonmatí enters the prime years of her career, the prospect of her achieving even greater heights seems inevitable. Whether leading Barcelona to more titles or inspiring Spain to additional international triumphs, Aitana Bonmatí is on a path to transcend football, becoming a global football icon and inspiring younger generations.

Conclusion: The Undisputed Queen of Football

Aitana Bonmatí’s resume in 2024 is more than just a collection of trophies—it’s a reflection of her mastery of the beautiful game. Her ability to control matches, inspire her teammates, and deliver in the biggest moments has elevated her to legendary status. If 2024 is any indication, the best may still be yet to come for this remarkable player.