Aitana Bonmati has won the 2023 Ballon d'Or Feminin after a historic season for both club and country.
Ballon d'Or caps off outstanding campaign for BonmatiWon treble with Barca and lifted World Cup for SpainPutellas relinquishes crown after back-to-back winsGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Bonmati was the runaway winner of this year's award after leading Barcelona to a famous treble as well as helping Spain overcome significant off-field strife and lift the World Cup. She received the trophy at a glitzy ceremony in Paris on Monday night.
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Bonmati enjoyed her best-ever season for Barca, registering 15 goals and 18 assists as the Blaugrana won Liga F, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup. She also starred for Spain Down Under, playing a key role in La Roja's World Cup victory and being named player of the tournament.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
After winning the 2021 and 2022 awards, Alexia Putellas has relinquished her crown as the best women's player in the world. An ACL injury suffered on the eve of Euro 2022 significantly limited her involvement throughout the season, with the midfielder only returning to play a bit-part role in the World Cup.
WHAT NEXT?
Bonmati is well placed to defend her Ballon d'Or in 2024. Barcelona have made a flying start to the league season, winning their opening six games, and stand a good chance of lifting the Champions League again, having been placed in a very-winnable group alongside Eintracht Frankfurt, Rosengard and Benfica.