BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2023: Will Aitana Bonmati get your vote?
The year 2022-23 was nothing short of spectacular for Aitana Bonmati. The 25-year-old midfielder, who plies her trade for Barcelona and Spain, had a season that dreams are made of. Let’s delve into the profile of this footballing sensation who is vying for the title of BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2023.
Aitana Bonmatí: The Midfield Dynamo
Born in 1998, Aitana Bonmati has cemented her place as one of the brightest stars in women’s football. Playing as a midfielder, she boasts an impressive resume, representing both Barcelona and Spain with distinction.
A Glorious Season
The 2022-23 season was a fairy tale for Bonmati. With Barcelona, she triumphed in Liga F, Spain’s top-flight league, and lifted the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy. But that’s not all; she also played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory at the World Cup, becoming a global sensation.
Magician on the Field
Bonmati’s style of play is characterized by her exquisite passing, a true magician orchestrating from the midfield. Her ability to dictate the game’s tempo and provide those crucial assists has earned her the title of Uefa’s women’s player of the year.
A Spanish Superstar
While her club success is impressive, it’s her performances on the international stage that have truly set her apart. Aitana Bonmati played an integral role in Spain’s World Cup triumph, scoring three goals during the tournament and being named the player of the tournament. Some even draw comparisons between her and the legendary Andres Iniesta, a testament to her skill and influence.
Defining Moments
When asked about her standout moments from the 2022-23 season, Bonmati couldn’t pick just one. She highlighted two moments of equal importance. The first was winning the Champions League with Barcelona, a thrilling victory after coming back from a 2-0 deficit in the final. The second was Spain’s World Cup triumph, a feat that she cherishes dearly.
The Thrill of Beating England
One of the most memorable moments of her career was defeating England in the World Cup final. Bonmati describes it as an incredible experience, where they played one of their best games of the tournament. She recalls the exhilaration of giving everything they had to win, and when the final whistle blew, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming.
Spain’s Aspirations
Looking to the future, Bonmati believes that Spain has the potential to dominate women’s football, much like their male counterparts did when they won the 2010 World Cup. With a talented team and promising generations coming through, she’s optimistic about Spain’s chances in major tournaments.
Changing Spanish History
Aitana Bonmati’s impact extends beyond the football pitch. Her parents played a significant role in changing Spanish law. In 1998, Spanish law mandated that a child’s father’s surname came first, followed by the mother’s. However, Aitana’s parents fought to change this, advocating for people to have the freedom to choose. Their efforts bore fruit in 2000, when the law was amended, allowing individuals to choose the order of their surnames. Aitana proudly carries her mother’s surname, Bonmati, as her first name.
Praise from Legends
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City’s men’s team, is enamored with Bonmati’s style of play, likening her to the women’s version of Andres Iniesta. Xavi, the manager of Barcelona’s men’s team, is equally captivated, describing her as a player who can excite and enthral spectators with her skills.
A Remarkable Career
Bonmati’s journey to stardom began at Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, La Masia, where she joined at the tender age of 13. Her autobiography even features a foreword by former Spain midfielder Xavi. She’s already won four league titles with Barcelona and serves as an ambassador for the United Nations’ Refugee Agency.
In conclusion, Aitana Bonmati’s rise in the world of football is nothing short of remarkable. Her combination of talent, determination, and advocacy for change sets her apart as a true icon of the sport. As she vies for the title of BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2023, her journey is one that continues to inspire fans and aspiring footballers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Football Sensation
Who is Aitana Bonmati?
Aitana Bonmati is a 25-year-old midfielder who plays for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. She’s known for her exceptional skills and playmaking abilities on the football field.
What were her major achievements in the 2022-23 season?
In the 2022-23 season, Aitana Bonmati achieved tremendous success. She won both the Liga F (Spain’s top-flight women’s league) and the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona. Additionally, she played a crucial role in Spain’s victory at the World Cup, earning her the title of the tournament’s player of the year.
How does Aitana Bonmati’s playing style stand out?
Aitana Bonmati is renowned for her exceptional passing ability and her ability to dictate the tempo of the game from midfield. Her playing style has earned her comparisons to football legends like Andres Iniesta.
What are some memorable moments from her career?
Two standout moments from Aitana Bonmati’s career in the 2022-23 season were winning the Champions League with Barcelona, especially the thrilling comeback in the final, and Spain’s World Cup triumph, where she played a pivotal role.
How does she view Spain’s prospects in women’s football?
Aitana Bonmati believes that Spain has the potential to dominate women’s football, citing the presence of talented players and promising generations. However, she acknowledges the growing competitiveness in women’s football and respects other strong national teams.
How did Aitana Bonmati’s parents contribute to changing Spanish law?
Aitana Bonmati’s parents played a significant role in changing Spanish law regarding the order of surnames for children. They advocated for the freedom to choose the order of surnames, and their efforts led to a change in the law in 2000, allowing individuals to have more flexibility in naming conventions.
What are some notable figures’ opinions of Aitana Bonmati?
Respected figures in football, such as Pep Guardiola and Xavi, have praised Aitana Bonmati for her exceptional skills and playing style. Pep Guardiola likened her to the women’s version of Andres Iniesta, while Xavi expressed his excitement about her ability to captivate audiences with her play.
What are some other interesting facts about Aitana Bonmati?
Aitana Bonmati began her football journey at Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy at the age of 13. She has also won four league titles with Barcelona and serves as an ambassador for the United Nations’ Refugee Agency, highlighting her contributions beyond the pitch.
More about Football Sensation
- Aitana Bonmati’s Official Profile
- BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2023 Voting
- UEFA Champions League Official Website
- FIFA Women’s World Cup Official Website
- La Masia Youth Academy
- United Nations’ Refugee Agency – Aitana Bonmati Ambassador
6 comments
luv her style of play, super smooth!
Bonmati’s La Masia journey is inspiring, a true Barça gem!
gr8 to see her reppin tech too, she’s a true all-rounder.
I didn’t kno she was also into soccer, that’s kool!
aitana bonmati sounds like a real football star, wow!
her parents did a huge thing with the law change, go them!