"I'm living a dream at the Club of my life"

Original article from France Football, published after the 2025 ceremony.

You chose to meet us at the stadium that bears your name, at Club Deportiu Ribes, where you first started playing. Why here?

I remember in 2023, we did the interview at my home, very discreetly, because it was before the ceremony. Last year, it was at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, near Barça's training center, my "second home." This time, I wanted to do something special because this award is different. I thought it would be a nice gesture to return to my origins, to where I began playing football. Back then, it was a dirt pitch (it's now a synthetic field, partly funded by her sponsor). Today, it carries my name, which is a great honor. It's important never to forget where you come from.

When you were a child, Barça's women's team wasn't yet professional...

I feel privileged. It takes me about half an hour to get to and from training. I never had to leave home. I'm lucky to be able to play here, close to my friends and family. I'm living a dream at the club of my life. I've been here for fourteen years now.

You now have three Ballons d'Or. Do you have any room left at home to display them?

(Smiles) Not really. I haven't fully processed everything that's happening to me... If someone had told me when I was 7 and just starting to play football that we'd be doing an interview in 2025 with my three Ballons d'Or... I would never have dared to imagine it. So I'm very happy and grateful. It also comes with a certain responsibility: to be a role model.

This third Ballon d'Or was presented to you by Andrés Iniesta. What was that moment like?

Once again, you all were very discreet. It was completely unexpected to receive this historic third Ballon d'Or from Andrés Iniesta, who was my childhood idol along with Xavi. They never won a Ballon d'Or, but they taught me their style of football. In a way, this is a Ballon d'Or that I share with the players who inspired me with their magic. Andrés simply congratulated me. He and Xavi often write to me when I win titles, but also when I lose. I feel close to them, which I never thought would be possible.

"Lionel Messi is an example. I admire the mentality he's had since the beginning of his career; it's a quality I also see in myself."

You are the first woman to win three Ballons d'Or. Among the men, you join Johan Cruyff (1971, 1973, 1974), Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985), and Marco van Basten (1988, 1989, 1992). What does that mean to you?

First of all, those names seem distant because I don't remember seeing them play (she was born in 1998). They are obviously legends, figures who transcended the world of football because everyone knows who they are. Especially Cruyff. He is, of course, a role model for me as well. That's why I wear number 14 at Barça, for everything he represents. To join that list is unique, especially as the first woman to do so. I'm also proud because the road hasn't always been easy. I had to fight for my place as a girl when I played with the boys. People don't realize everything that goes into winning these kinds of trophies.

In your biography, you mention that you prefer not to dwell on what you've accomplished, but rather on what you can still achieve. Are you savoring this moment, or are you already looking ahead?

I always try to enjoy it, but it's not easy; we're in such high demand. This award has such a huge dimension that the days fly by. But I always find time to celebrate with my family and friends. And this time will be no different.

Do you think Cristiano Ronaldo's five and Lionel Messi's eight Ballons d'Or are within your reach?

(Laughs) That's not something I think about. Everyone carves their own path, and I don't need to compare myself to them. They are fantastic players. Leo Messi is the greatest footballer in history, and I highly doubt anyone will be able to replicate what he has achieved. The hard part isn't getting to the top, but staying there for many years. It's complicated, with all the pressure that comes with it. In that sense, Messi is an example.

You're 27 years old. Is the best of Aitana Bonmati still to come?

I don't know when I'll reach my peak; I can't see the future. (She smiles.) I see myself as both a veteran and still young. I've played in many major competitions, but my mentality and ambition are as strong as ever. There's still a lot more to come from Aitana!

What drives you?

I love the mentality I've had since I started. It defines me, even if it can be exhausting to constantly give everything to be the best, without ever letting up. I live for football with immense passion. It's what got me to where I am today, and I'll keep going this way because it has worked out very well so far.

This is the fifth consecutive Ballon d'Or for a Spanish player, and a Barça player at that, following Alexia Putellas in 2021 and 2022. Can we talk about an era of dominance?

When you put it like that, it's clear. It just shows that Barça and the Spanish national team have done exceptional work. If you look at the recent finals, both for club and country, we've almost always been there. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. The important thing isn't just lifting the trophy; it's reaching that level and staying consistent. Football is decided by fine margins. At the Euros, we didn't lose a single match in open play; the final was decided on penalties (1-1, 1-3 on penalties against England). In the Champions League, we faced top teams like Wolfsburg (4-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals) and Chelsea (4-1, 4-1 in the semifinals) and beat them convincingly. But all it takes is one off day for everything to change. Arsenal capitalized on their one chance against us in the final (0-1).

What have you learned from those disappointments?

In recent years, I had become accustomed to winning everything, both collectively and individually. Losing forces you to put things in perspective and re-evaluate. Those difficult moments push you to come back stronger and more motivated. They also remind you that any team can beat you. It's all part of the learning process.

When you lose a final, you make a point of showcasing your silver medal on TV or social media. What message are you trying to send?

As professional players, we have a responsibility, not just in victory but especially in defeat. Losing is not a failure. We beat great teams to get there. The opponent deserves the trophy too. It's important to accept defeat, acknowledge that you weren't at your best on the day, show humility, and congratulate your opponent. You have to value the journey, not just the victory.

You had a major health scare with viral meningitis before the Euros but returned quickly and were even named player of the tournament. Where do you find that strength?

It's primarily a mental thing, but the physical side is heavily dependent on your mindset. Many were surprised by how quickly I came back, but I knew what I wanted: to be at 100% to help the team. I didn't want to worry anyone. I worked hard to return as soon as possible. It was a tough ordeal, but I'm satisfied that I was able to contribute during the key moments.

Your goal against Germany in the semi-final (1-0 AET) was unforgettable. Can you talk us through that moment of inspiration?

Just as we analyze outfield players, we also study the goalkeeper (Ann-Katrin Berger): her movements, her habits, whether she tends to take a step to the right or left. We were in extra time, and I had an image in my mind that I had seen and discussed with our goalkeeping coach. It's mostly preparation, the result of hard work. But there's also an element of spontaneity.

Aitana Bonmati's Player Profile

Age: 27 (Born January 18, 1998, in Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain)
Position: Midfielder
Height/Weight: 1.62m / 51kg
Club: FC Barcelona (since August 2016)
International: 78 caps for Spain, 30 goals
International honors: World Cup (2023), Nations League (2024), U17 Euros (2015), U19 Euros (2017)
Club honors: Champions League (2021, 2023, 2024), La Liga (2020-2025), Copa de la Reina (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025), Spanish Super Cup (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Individual honors: Ballon d'Or (2023, 2024, 2025)
2024-2025 Season Stats: 58 matches, 20 goals, 16 assists.

"It was instinctive, and that's why I decided to shoot like that from a tight angle, aiming for the near post," she explained. "I don't believe in coincidences; it's the result of hard work and analyzing the opponent. Of course, there's an element of spontaneity, but it's mostly preparation. The 'pigeon-wing' goal I scored the other day against DUX Logroño was different—that was pure improvisation, not something I practice in training."

A Worldview Shaped by Family and Books

When asked about the curiosity for the world around her, which she had mentioned in a previous interview with France Football, she credited her upbringing entirely. "One hundred percent. What you experience at home as a child shapes you. My parents instilled many values in me: social commitment, gender equality, and the fight for greater justice. I always saw two people deeply invested in these causes, sensitive to inequality and global conflicts."

"It's sad to see that in the 21st century, there are still so many wars," she continued. "I enjoy reading about World War II to understand what happened, and sometimes I feel like humanity hasn't learned anything, that it keeps repeating the same mistakes. All these concerns come from them. Their house is like a library; there are thousands of books. It's thanks to them that I developed a love for reading, culture, and the desire to understand the world."

Frustration with La Liga's Stagnation

A year ago, she was highly critical of the Spanish league. When asked if things have improved, her response was blunt. "Unfortunately, I'd say no. It's a shame because, with everything we've achieved in recent years, this was the moment to make our league one of the best in the world: attract sponsors, work on marketing... But there's a lack of real political will. You can't leave it all to the organizations. I don't believe La Liga is the best league today."

"For a long time, I've advocated for reducing the number of teams to make the championship more competitive and appealing," she added. "If the best players join the top clubs, they'll also have better working conditions. Currently, some teams play in tiny stadiums with limited resources, and that holds back the development of women's football. Of course, we make our voices heard, but if nothing changes, it means there's no real desire to improve things. It's discouraging. On the other hand, with the national team, we are finally seeing progress, and that makes us happy."

"Today's young players are more impatient. Yet, anything worthwhile takes time."

On the New Generation and Finding Motivation

Working alongside very young talents like Vicky Lopez, the winner of the first Kopa Trophy, gives her a unique perspective on the next generation. "Today's young players are more impatient; they want immediate results and sometimes struggle to accept that there's a process. Yet, anything worthwhile takes time and hard work. On the other hand, I find them very self-assured, fearless, with great confidence and self-esteem. When I first joined the senior team, I was more cautious and apprehensive. They arrive with so much audacity and talent, and that's a great quality."

Having won nearly every title possible, some might say she has "completed the game." So what keeps her going? "There have been times when I've felt a bit empty, wondering, 'What now?' Playing at the same grounds, making the same trips—it can feel repetitive. But the desire always comes back. What motivates me are the major events: the Champions League, the World Cup (the next one is in Brazil in 2027). These are the challenges that push me to continue and to improve."

A Future at Barça and a Fourth Ballon d'Or?

She recently extended her contract with Barça until 2028, marking her tenth professional season with the club. Does she see herself staying for her entire career, or could a new challenge in England or the United States be on the horizon? "I don't like to look too far ahead. A lot depends on the moment, on how I feel. You can't know what you'll want in four or five years. For now, I'm very happy here. I hope the club continues to invest in us, because I think we perform every year, as shown by the Ballon d'Or nominations (6 out of 30 in 2025, including Bonmatí, Putellas, Guijarro, Pajor, Pina, and Graham Hansen)."

When asked if she'll be back for a fourth Ballon d'Or next year, she laughed. "I'll always be here, win or lose. I'll be waiting for you."