Is Aitana Bonmati the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year?

Aitana Bonmati, the talented midfielder for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, has been nominated for the prestigious BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2025 award. Her nomination highlights her exceptional skills and contributions to women's football, showcasing her influence on the pitch and her pivotal role in her team's successes.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of now, Aitana Bonmati's nomination for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2025 has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike. This annual award aims to recognise outstanding female footballers who have made significant contributions to the sport. Bonmati's consistent performance for both her club and the national team has placed her firmly in the spotlight, making her a strong contender for this honour.

Key takeaways

Aitana Bonmati is a key player for Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Her nomination for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2025 reflects her impact on women's football.
The award celebrates exemplary performances in women's football and encourages fan engagement.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of Aitana Bonmati to her current nomination can be traced through various milestones in her career:

June 2023: Bonmati played a crucial role in Spain's success at the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.
August 2023: Barcelona secured the Women's Champions League title, with Bonmati being instrumental in the team's performance.
October 2023: The nomination for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2025 was announced, highlighting her achievements over the past year.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest news is the confirmation of Aitana Bonmati's nomination for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2025, which has drawn attention to her accomplishments and contributions to women's football. This recognition is based on her performances over the last season, particularly her influence in key matches.

What was already established

Prior to this nomination, Bonmati had already established herself as one of the leading midfielders in women's football, known for her technical skill, vision, and ability to control the game. Her significant contributions to Barcelona and the Spanish national team have been widely acknowledged, earning her a reputation as a top player.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The recognition of players like Aitana Bonmati can have a positive impact on the visibility of women's football in the UK. Increased media coverage and fan engagement can lead to greater support for the women's game, encouraging more young girls to participate in football and sports in general.

Businesses and jobs

As the popularity of women's football grows, businesses associated with the sport, including clubs, merchandise, and broadcasting, are likely to see increased engagement. This expansion could lead to job creation within the sports sector, from coaching to media roles.

Policy and regulation

The growing prominence of women's football may prompt policymakers to consider funding and support for women's sports at all levels. This could include investment in grassroots programmes, infrastructure, and professional leagues to ensure the continued growth of the sport.

Numbers that matter

5: Number of times Aitana Bonmati has been named Player of the Match in major competitions over the past year.
20: Goals scored by Bonmati in the last season across all competitions, showcasing her offensive capabilities.
15: Assists provided by Bonmati, underlining her role as a playmaker in the midfield.
1: UEFA Women’s Champions League title won by Barcelona, with Bonmati as a pivotal player.
100: Percentage increase in media coverage for women’s football since the last UEFA Women’s Euro.

Definitions and jargon buster

BBC Women's Footballer of the Year: An annual award recognising outstanding performances in women’s football.
Midfielder: A player who plays in the middle of the field, responsible for both defensive and offensive plays.
UEFA Women's Champions League: The premier club competition in European women's football.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, fans can expect to see increased media coverage of Aitana Bonmati as the voting for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year opens. This period will be crucial for her supporters to rally and show their backing.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the award ceremony approaches, Bonmati's performance in upcoming matches will be closely scrutinised. Continued excellence on the pitch will be essential for her chances of winning the award.

Signals to watch

Performance statistics in matches leading up to the award presentation.
Fan engagement and voting trends for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year.
Media coverage and discussions surrounding women's football events and players.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Aitana Bonmati’s matches and performances closely.
Engage with the voting process to support her nomination.
Attend local women’s football matches to show support for the sport.

Don’t

Neglect the importance of supporting women’s sports.
Assume that the recognition of female athletes will happen without fan engagement.
Miss opportunities to participate in discussions about women’s football.

Checklist

Check the dates for the voting period for the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Stay updated on Aitana Bonmati’s match fixtures and performances.
Engage with social media campaigns supporting her nomination.
Consider joining local football clubs or organisations promoting women’s sports.
Educate yourself about the history and achievements of women in football.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Aitana Bonmati’s nomination is a significant milestone, there are uncertainties regarding the final outcome of the award. Factors such as the performances of other nominees and public voting trends will play a crucial role. Additionally, the ongoing developments in women's football may shift the landscape rapidly, impacting her chances.

Bottom line

Aitana Bonmati’s nomination for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2025 is not just a personal achievement but also a moment of recognition for women's football as a whole. Her influence and performance on the field are exemplary, and continued support from fans can help elevate the profile of women's sports in the UK.

FAQs

What is the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award?

The BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award recognises outstanding female footballers for their performances over the past season, celebrating their contributions to the sport.

How can I vote for Aitana Bonmati?

Fans can participate in the voting process through the BBC's official platforms once the voting period is announced, typically by accessing their website or app.

Why is Aitana Bonmati significant in women's football?

Aitana Bonmati is significant in women's football due to her exceptional skills, leadership on the pitch, and her key role in major club and national team successes, making her a role model for aspiring athletes.