Bonmati: The Golden Girl of Football
So, Bonmati has snagged another Golden Ball, huh? You know you’re doing something right when your footballing ability is so good that Pep Guardiola compares you to Iniesta. That’s like being told you’re the female version of…well, think of any fantastic player—only without the pesky “legality” issues tied up in a man’s world. Let’s be honest, if she had a pound for every time someone doubted her because she’s a woman, she’d probably be able to fund her own team of superstars.
Now, our girl Bonmati didn’t just waltz through the ranks, no sir! She began her journey at the tender age of 13 with FC Barcelona. A club she presumably loves more than anyone loves their own family—except for perhaps her teammates, Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo, who also deserve a shout-out. In football, just like any family reunion, it’s not just about you; it’s about the lovely folks clogging up the picture—right alongside you on the podium.
Bonmati’s rise is a story many young female footballers can relate to. Growing up, she played with the boys, an experience that seasoned her confidence like a fine wine—from ‘Oh look, the girl is holding her own’ to ‘Yeah, I know I just dribbled past you again.’ Meanwhile, some of her male teammates were probably left questioning their life choices. I mean, if you can outrun the ego of a teenage boy, you’re already halfway to conquering the world!
One moment I had to chuckle at was when she described the lack of role models for girls when she was young. She clearly took a page out of a Star Wars film: “When I was a kid, my role models were guys!” But she’s not just complaining. Oh no! Now she’s elevated herself to the role model status—a beacon for both girls and boys. Yes, young lads, get ready to learn about collaboration through the wonderful world of women’s football!
In addition to flaunting some seriously impressive trophies, Bonmati isn’t just about the bling bling. She’s sowing the seeds for gender equality in sports and beyond. Doesn’t that sound all warm and fuzzy? She spoke out after being part of the ‘15 rebels’ who stood against Jorge Vilda at the Spanish Federation, which—despite the drama—didn’t stop them from becoming world champions later on. You see, standing up isn’t just for cheerleaders!
And speaking of standing up, let’s discuss when Bonmati put on a T-shirt after the Champions League final, proudly wearing a message for refugees. That’s right, she’s not just booting about a football; she’s kicking down societal barriers left and right. Her position as a UNHCR collaborator proves she’s not just looking to be a winner on the pitch—she wants to win in life, for everyone. A true champion in every sense!
Whether it’s supporting teammates through sticky situations or advocating for causes that matter, she’s living proof that sports can transcend beyond just goals and trophies. And as she gracefully lifts trophy after trophy, let us remember: while she might be the one wearing the crown now, she’s also the one handing out tiaras to those who come after her. It’s about time we saw the power of women’s football in all its brilliant glory, don’t you think?
Conclusion
So, here’s to you, Aitana Bonmati! May your golden glow continue to inspire the next generation and keep… well, the rest of us grounded. After all, if a girl can make football look that good, what other boundaries can’t we break? Maybe next, we’ll see a female version of the men’s World Cup, with just as much drama, skill, and possibly a few less questionable post-match press conferences. Cheers!
If she failed with “Roja” at the foot of the Olympic podium this summer in Paris, Bonmati retained the Champions League with FC Barcelona, the club where she spent half her life, from 13 to 26 years old.
“I am extremely grateful to receive this second consecutive Golden Ball,” declared the Barça player during the ceremony, paying tribute at length to her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo, second and third.
“I play a team sport and I am surrounded by incredible players at club and national level. Without them, I would not be the player I am today,” added Bonmati.
Her path to the top began, like many other female footballers, with playing time shared with boys, given the lack of development in women’s grassroots football.
Her self-confidence against the best teams in the world was forged when, as a child, she dared to flirt with boys, provoking sexist comments from her young teammates who could not bear to see themselves overtaken by a girl. .
After joining FC Barcelona at the age of 13, it only took him three seasons to debut with the first team. A decade later, she won a second Ballon d’Or after two years at the top.
Hailed by a famous phrase from Pep Guardiola, who called her “the female version of Iniesta”, Bonmati always dreamed of establishing herself as “a reference” for many boys and girls at the same level as her male colleagues.
“When I was little it was impossible to have female role models, that’s why I always say that my role models were Xavi, Iniesta, etc… But today we can say that we are all role models, so proud to be one, not only for girls, but also for boys,” she said.
“I think it is very important for boys to have female role models when they are young, because when they grow up, they will have a more egalitarian mentality,” assured the double Ballon d’Or.
Equality between men and women in and outside football is one of the causes to which “Aita” is committed.
“There is a long way to go and I hope that with our fight we can also contribute to it in the future,” she declared to the footballers’ union FIFPro in February 2024.
— Engagements –
An assertive character, Bonmati also faced his Federation. She was one of the fifteen rebels who opposed the retention of Jorge Vilda at the head of “Roja”. However, they will end up as 2023 world champions with the same technician.
Her commitment has taken many other forms, and her aura goes beyond football, like the Laureus prize for best female athlete 2024, the first Spanish-speaking and first footballer of all sexes to receive this recognition.
Collaborator of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) since 2022, for example, after the victorious final of the 2023 Champions League, she wore a t-shirt with the slogan “Change your mind. Welcome the refugees. Save their lives.”
She also supported her teammate Jenni Hermoso, who was forcefully kissed by the former president of the Spanish Federation Luis Rubiales: a forced kiss shortly after the victory in the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup which had eclipsed the feat of La Roja.
Receiving one of her many awards for best footballer, she took advantage of the exposure to denounce the situation and continue to promote equality.
