Aitana Bonmati won the 2023 Ballon d'Or Feminin title as a result of her accomplishments with both her club, Barcelona, and the Spanish national team.
In addition to expressing her gratitude for the honour, she reminded her fellow nominees that they all had obligations as “role models” both on and off the pitch. She won the award on Monday night in Paris, France.
After winning the Ballon d'Or Feminin trophy, Aitana Bonmati, a star from Barcelona and Spain, gave a heartfelt speech to her fellow Ballon d'Or nominees.
AITANA BONMATI DELIVERS POWERFUL SPEECH
As “role models,” Bonmati informed her fellow nominees that they had “a responsibility on and off the pitch.”
The 25-year-old Spanish player had an incredible season, winning the UEFA Women's Champions League, La Liga Feminin, and the World Cup.
Aitana Bonmati led her team to victory in the international competition in Australia, defeating England, and finished the previous season with 19 goals for her club.
Aitana Bonmati accepted the title Monday night in Paris and stated, “I'm so honoured to win this Ballon d'Or today. In terms of football, it's been at a really unusual level.
Football is a team sport, so even though it's an individual award, I'd like to give this one to all of my foreign teammates as well as my teammates on the Barcelona squad, the staff, and everyone else involved.
“I wouldn’t be here without them; I wouldn't have the same success.”
“Thank you, Joan Laporta, for your belief,” she continued. One of the most notable teams is Barcelona. I want to thank my parents and my family, who have contributed to my accomplishment.”
Then, Bonmati urged the other nominees to recognize their place in society and the potential impact they can have.
“Finally, congratulations to each and every nominee,” she said. They are all outstanding and motivational football players. Both on and off the pitch, we have an obligation as role models. Being athletes isn't what we should be. Continue setting a good example and advocating for a more equitable, tranquil, and better society.”
She said this after Vinicius Jr. was previously honoured for his charitable and social activity efforts, following incidents of racial discrimination in Spain.
