History was made Monday night in Paris during the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony, as Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati became the first player to win the women's Ballon d'Or three times.
Bonmati, 27, took the award with her international team-mate, Arsenal winger Mariona Caldentey, coming second. Bonmati also won the award in 2023 and 2024. It means Barcelona players have won the honour in each of the past five years after midfielder Alexia Putellas earned the prize in 2021 and 2022.
Arsenal trio Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson came third, fifth and seventh respectively, with Chelsea duo Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton ninth and 10th.
" My third time in a row here, and I still can't believe it. Incredible. Thank you to France Football for this, for the third time, it really could have gone to anyone, she said during her acceptance speech.
"If it was possible to share it I would, because I think it has been a year with an exceptionally high level, above all among my team-mates, who had a great year, she added.
Bonmati's list of accolades is a lengthy one.
She has now won the Ballon d'Or in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and was the Fifa Best women's player in 2023 and 2024. She has been crowned the Champions League player of the season three times and won the competition as many times.
Her trophy haul with Barcelona is impressive - seven league titles, three European crowns, nine Copas de la Reina and five Spanish Super Cups.
Ballon d'Or Feminin top 10 and selected others
1: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
2: Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal, Spain)
3: Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)
4: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
5: Chloe Kelly (Manchester City, Arsenal, England)
6: Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona, Spain)
7: Leah Williamson (Arsenal, England)
8: Ewa Pajor (Barcelona, Poland)
9: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)
10: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
