Aitana Bonmati clinches third straight Women's Ballon d'Or amid growing controversy
The Night in Paris: Awards Overview
On September 22, 2025, the Théâtre du Châtelet turned into football’s biggest red‑carpet. Co‑hosted by UEFA and Groupe Amaury, the 69th Ballon d'Or ceremony celebrated the sport’s top performers from both genders. In a dazzling moment that will be replayed on screens worldwide, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Women's Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati lifted the trophy for the third year running.
Bonmati’s triumph was part of a broader Barcelona sweep. Striker Ewa Pajor, who netted 43 goals in 46 matches for the Catalan club, took home the Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy. The men’s side saw France’s Ousmane Dembélé crowned Men’s Ballon d’Or winner, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal earned the Men’s Kopa Trophy for best young player.
Goalkeeping honors were split between Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma (Men’s Yashin Trophy) and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton (Women’s Yashin Trophy). In the coaching arena, Luis Enrique collected the Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, and England’s Sarina Wiegman was named Women’s Coach of the Year. PSG claimed Men’s Club of the Year, and Arsenal lifted the Women’s equivalent. The evening closed with the Sócrates Award for social impact going to Fundación Xana.
Debate Over Bonmati's Third Win
While the ceremony was a night of celebration, Bonmati’s third straight award ignited a firestorm on social media and among pundits. Some analysts argued that her 2024‑25 season, though impressive, did not eclipse the performances of other top players. Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey, who led the Gunners to a domestic double, and Manchester United’s Alessia Russo, whose goal tally broke club records, were frequently cited as more deserving candidates.
Brazilian legend Marta also resurfaced in the conversation. Even though she’s nearing retirement, her influence on and off the pitch still resonates, prompting fans to wonder if the voting body should honour a career legacy over a single season’s stats.
Another thread of criticism focused on a perceived European bias. The voting panel, comprised largely of European journalists and national team captains, has been accused of favoring players from UEFA‑affiliated leagues. Critics noted that standout performers from South America, Africa and Asia received scant mention, despite strong showings in international tournaments and club competitions.
Supporters of Bonmati countered that her consistency at the highest level is rare. Since breaking into Barcelona’s first team, she has been instrumental in the club’s back‑to‑back UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and has helped Spain clinch major trophies, including the Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup. Her blend of vision, passing range and defensive work rate keeps her on the shortlist year after year.
Beyond the statistics, Bonmati’s impact on the sport’s visibility is undeniable. Her marketability has attracted new sponsors to women’s football, and her social media presence inspires thousands of young girls across Europe. That intangible influence is part of why many argue she deserves the acclaim, even if other players posted flashier numbers.
The debate also highlighted a broader issue: the criteria used to judge the Ballon d’Or. Is it purely about goals and assists, or should leadership, consistency, and contribution to a team’s success weigh equally? The conversation surrounding this year’s awards may push France Football to reconsider its voting process, possibly expanding the geographic diversity of its panel.
Regardless of the controversy, the night underscored a shifting landscape in football. Women’s clubs are now receiving the same spotlight as their male counterparts, and the prize money attached to related awards is growing. The spotlight on players like Bonmati, Pajor, and Vicky López signals that the market for women’s football is expanding faster than ever.
Fans left the ceremony buzzing, some chanting Bonmati’s name, others demanding a more inclusive approach for future awards. What’s clear is that the Ballon d’Or remains football’s most coveted individual honor, and each edition sparks fresh debates about talent, fairness, and the sport’s evolving narrative.
