Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has been named FIFA Women’s Player of the Year for the second consecutive time, solidifying her place among the greatest in women’s football. Bonmati triumphed over Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen to clinch the award.
The 26-year-old was pivotal in Barcelona’s domestic treble-winning season and played a crucial role in the club’s successful defense of the Champions League title. Additionally, she shone on the international stage, scoring in the semifinal and final as Spain claimed the Nations League title in February.
Bonmati’s stellar year also saw her win the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the second year running in October.
Other honorees at the FIFA awards included Emma Hayes, who claimed the Best Women’s Coach award after leading Chelsea to their fifth consecutive WSL title and guiding the U.S. team to Olympic gold.
Alejandro Garnacho secured the Puskas Award for his acrobatic goal for Manchester United against Everton in the Premier League, while Brazil’s Marta received the inaugural Marta Award, recognizing the best goal in women’s football, named in her honor.
The Best Women’s Goalkeeper award went to Alyssa Naeher of the U.S., while Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez took home the men’s equivalent.
This year’s awards celebrated exceptional performances that have left a lasting impact on the footballing world.
