The Ballon d’Or gala in Paris had a familiar Blaugrana flavor. Aitana Bonmatí was crowned the queen of world football for the third consecutive year, while Lamine Yamal confirmed his status as the brightest young star by winning the Kopa Trophy for the second time.
Although the men’s award slipped away, with Ousmane Dembélé edging out Lamine, the night once again highlighted Barça’s dominance across both men’s and women’s football.
Aitana Bonmatí: The Queen of World Football
Aitana’s triumph marks her third Ballon d’Or in a row and the fifth consecutive women’s award for Barcelona, following Alexia Putellas’ back-to-back victories.
- With this achievement, Aitana equals legends like Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, and Michel Platini.
- Only Lionel Messi (8) and Cristiano Ronaldo (5) have more Ballon d’Or titles.
In her speech, delivered after receiving the trophy from Andrés Iniesta, Aitana thanked Barça, her family, and her lifelong supporters:
“Barça is my home, the club of my life. I hope to keep carrying this crest for many years.”
Her season was remarkable: she was named MVP of both the Champions League and the European Championship, even though Spain and Barcelona fell short in the finals. With Barça, she lifted the Liga, Copa, and Spanish Super Cup.
Barça’s Strong Female Presence
Aitana was not alone at the top. Six Barça players finished in the top 15 of the women’s Ballon d’Or:
- Alexia Putellas (4th)
- Patri Guijarro (5th)
- Ewa Pajor (8th)
- Claudia Pina (11th)
- Caroline Graham Hansen (13th)
Lamine Yamal: The Prince of the Future
Although he narrowly lost the men’s Ballon d’Or to Dembélé, Lamine Yamal confirmed that his time will come.
At just 18, he claimed the Kopa Trophy for the second consecutive year, awarded to the best under-21 player in the world. His teammates and fellow nominees Pau Cubarsí (7th) and Raphinha (5th in the Ballon d’Or) highlight Barça’s collective strength.
On stage, Lamine expressed his gratitude:
“It is an honor to win this award again. Thanks to Barcelona, my teammates, Spain, and my family. I hope to win many more.”
With a season that included the Liga, Copa, and Supercopa with Barça, Lamine is destined to lift the Ballon d’Or in the near future.
Barça’s Other Representatives
The gala also saw other Blaugrana names:
- Raphinha finished 5th, ahead of Kylian Mbappé in 7th.
- Pedri was surprisingly low at 11th, a result many considered unfair given his quality and season.
- Robert Lewandowski closed in 17th place.
Joan Laporta’s Reaction
Barça president Joan Laporta celebrated the club’s presence at the top once again:
“We came here to win, and I am very proud of our players. Aitana is among the elite of the Ballon d’Or. Lamine and Vicky López are the best young players. I am convinced Lamine will win the Ballon d’Or one day.”
Laporta praised the ambition of the squad and credited Hansi Flick for his role in the team’s continued success.
Conclusion
Aitana Bonmatí is the queen, and Lamine Yamal the prince. Barcelona once again stole the spotlight at the Ballon d’Or gala.
With Aitana cementing her place among the greats and Lamine showing he is the heir to the throne, Barça’s present and future look brighter than ever.
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