Spain and Barcelona’s Bonmati wins women’s Ballon d’Or

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 from each of the top 100 countries in the Fifa men’s world ranking.

Bonmati won the 2023 award after helping her club triumph in the Spanish top flight and Champions League, and Spain claim their first Women’s World Cup.

The playmaker joins compatriot and Barcelona team-mate Alexia Putellas as the only players to have won the Women’s Ballon d’Or – which was first awarded in 2018 – twice.

Bonmati netted the first goal in Barca’s Champions League final triumph over Lyon and was named the tournament’s player of the season.

“I’m so proud to be a part of Barcelona – it’s a unique and wonderful club. I’m so thankful because the club has given me everything since I was 14 and I hope to keep winning titles for them,” Bonmati added.

After winning the inaugural award for women’s club of the year in 2023, Barcelona picked up the award again after their success in Liga F, the Champions League, Supercopa and Copa de la Reina.

Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta said: “We are really honoured. Thanks to all the people in the club, especially the players who are working really hard to make Barcelona have the best women’s football team in the world.

The club had six players nominated for the women’s Ballon d’Or.

Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso was awarded with the Socrates Award, which recognises humanitarian work off the pitch.

Hermoso, who plays her club football for Mexican side Tigres, has been an outspoken advocate for women’s football and against sexual harassment in the game.

She was kissed by former Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales after Spain won the 2023 World Cup final, which she later said was not consensual.

“Women’s football deserves a place for new and future generations,” Hermoso, 34, said.

“This morning, I woke up and remembered a voice of a little girl saying she wanted to become a footballer, I find it inspiring. I want to keep that going and help make the world a better place.

“I’d like to ask all of you to get together and work together in order to make a better world possible and to make football become what little girls deserve for the future.”