Aitana Bonmati: Advocating for Equality in Women’s Football

Aitana Bonmati, the Spanish World Cup winner who clinched the Golden Ball at this summer’s World Cup, is not just an exceptional player on the field; she’s also a passionate advocate for gender equality in women’s football. At 25, she’s not only a favorite for this year’s Ballon d’Or but also a prominent voice in the ongoing battle for women players to be treated as true professionals.

Spain’s victory in the World Cup was undoubtedly a momentous occasion, but it was overshadowed by the controversial kiss between Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso after the final, a kiss that Hermoso stated was not consensual. In the midst of this scandal, Aitana Bonmati emphasizes that women’s football has come a long way but still faces significant challenges in its journey towards gender equality.

In an exclusive interview with the BBC World Service, Bonmati expressed her thoughts on the subject. “Yes, of course,” she replied when asked if football still has a long way to go to achieve gender equality. “Over the past years, we’ve seen a lot of changes, but there is still much room for improvement. We’re constantly striving for equality, for better conditions, and to be treated as professional footballers.”

Aitana’s dedication to the cause is evident when she says, “I would like to keep fighting because I want the next generation to have a better life than we have today. I think past generations fought for us to have a better life today.”

The fight for equality took a legal turn when Spain forward Jenni Hermoso filed a complaint against Luis Rubiales over the controversial kiss. Rubiales maintained that the kiss was “mutual” and “consensual,” but FIFA provisionally suspended him in September, causing ripples across the world of football.

This controversy also led Aitana Bonmati and her 22 teammates from Spain’s World Cup-winning squad to take a stand. In a statement released in August, they declared that they would not play for the team again while Rubiales was in charge, making a bold statement against gender inequality in the sport.

Recent developments in women’s football have seen former Spain manager Jorge Vilda taking on the role of head coach for the Morocco women’s team. This change comes in the aftermath of the Rubiales scandal, with Vilda, considered a close ally of Rubiales, now being investigated as part of the criminal case against the former Spanish football federation president.

Aitana Bonmati’s journey from winning the Golden Ball to becoming a champion for gender equality in women’s football is a testament to the resilience and determination of athletes who are not only exceptional on the field but also advocates for positive change off it. Her words serve as a reminder that the fight for equality is ongoing, and she, along with many others, is committed to creating a better future for the generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gender Equality in Football

More about Gender Equality in Football

• Aitana Bonmati’s Golden Ball Win: Details about Aitana Bonmati’s exceptional performance and her Golden Ball win.
• Challenges in Women’s Football: An in-depth look at the ongoing challenges faced by women’s football in the quest for gender equality.
• Controversy Over the Rubiales-Hermoso Kiss: Information on the controversial kiss between Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso and the ensuing fallout.
• Aitana Bonmati and Team’s Response: Explore how Aitana Bonmati and her teammates took a stand against gender inequality in football.
• Jorge Vilda’s Appointment and Investigation: Updates on Jorge Vilda’s appointment as head coach of the Morocco women’s team and the investigation related to the Rubiales scandal.