Ballon d'Or Barça Femení Barcelona Exclusive Femení, English Official Uncategorized

Ballon D’Barcelona, a clean Catalan sweep

Aitana Bonmatí of FC Barcelona poses with her 2nd consecutive Ballon D’or trophy at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France / PM News

The English, famously coined for saying “It’s coming home” in reference to the FIFA World Cup won in 1966 and in the hopes of winning one again, have historical grounds to claim that the beautiful game was officially borne on their land. Since 1966, England have not claimed a men’s nor women’s FIFA World Cup, though the women came extremely close in 2023, losing the final by one goal. Who was in England’s way on that fateful day? None other than Spain. And who hails from Catalonia, region of Spain? None other than Aitana Bonmatí. Two time Ballon D’or winner, FIFA World Champion, UEFA Nations League title holder, Olympian, UEFA Women’s Player of the Year, The Best FIFA Women’s Player, Champions League title x3, Laureus Sportswoman of the Year, Copa de la Reina x 6, and EA Sports FIFA 25 cover woman. The list doesn’t stop.

Even non-football fans are familiar with the name, as women’s football becomes more commonplace and household name-worthy. Aitana joined a large cohort of FC Barcelona and FC Barcelona Femení figures on Monday, October 28th, counting fellow 2x Ballon D’or winner Alexia Putellas, nominee Caroline Graham Hansen, nominee Salma Paralluelo, former Culer Jenni Hermoso who also won the Socrates Award for humanitarian work, Marta Torrejon as a guest, nominee Mariona Caldentey, and nominee Patri Guijarro. All ladies looked lovely on the red carpet, where a group photo included FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, FC Barcelona Femení director Xavi Puig, men’s players Marc Cubarsi, Dani Olmo, and best young player award recipient Lamine Yamal. Certainly a lot to soak in, but Culers enjoyed the moment together.

Pictured Left to Right: Marta Torrejon, Caroline Graham Hansen, women’s director Xavi Puig, Aitana Bonmatí, club president Joan Laporta, Salma Paralluelo, Alexia Putellas, and Patri Guijarro / The Sun

The Ballon D’or ceremony, translated to Golden Ball, is sanctioned by the French Football Federation, hosted once a year and is still debated whether it is the most “prestigious” football awards ceremony. Not without controversy, as one-hundred journalists from the top 100 of FIFA’s member nations vote unanimously. Individual awards are handed out along with team awards and season awards, meaning a ceremony with so much pomp and circumstance can last for hours in a gilded Paris hall. Hosted in French and English with many translators available, the festivities kicked off at around 8pm local time. Some tributes were made to fallen footballers, favourite fans, and finally FC Barcelona Femení. Yes, after so much success on and off the pitch for the past 12 months, FCB Femení were awarded “Best women’s club of the year.” An accolade well deserved, as the UEFA Women’s Champions League and Liga F league title holders continue to carve their legacy. A sweet sentiment extended to Mariona Caldentey, who now plays for Arsenal FC but was present for the 2023/24 season accolades, as she was invited to join her sisters on stage to accept the award.

Joan Laporta, Alexia Putellas, and Caroline Graham Hansen accept the Ballon D’or women’s team trophy / X.com

Already racking up a collection to take home, a near and dear friend to the Femení squad, Jenni Hermoso, received a standing ovation for her befitting Socrates award, mentioned earlier as the humanitarian honour carried out by a footballer. Jenni has worked non-stop for gender equality and opportunity in sport since the disgraceful scandal at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final which resulted in the banning of Spain’s former head coach and the Spanish Federation’s fallen president. A scarring experience, yet Jenni perseveres through dedication to egalitarianism and her footballing career, which has since been with Mexico’s Tigres Femenil. The first woman to claim such a distinguished prize, and more than deserved. Although no longer a part of FC Barcelona on paper, when it comes to fair play, Jenni wins, we all win.

Last, but not least, the individual men’s and women’s trophies were yet to be declared. Ironically, Real Madrid CF, Barcelona’s rival for over 100 years, earned the Best men’s team award, yet nobody from that side showed up. Another controversy with apparent front-runner Vinicius Jr. being revealed to have placed 2nd the morning of the ceremony, but save that story for another day. American actress and club owner of Angel City in the NWSL Natalie Portman came to present the Women’s Ballon D’or. Lo and behold, the moment arrived. Those who were following leaks and progression of the Ballon D’or knew that at least one of three had the trophy under their nose; Salma Paralluelo, Caroline Graham Hansen, or Aitana Bonmatí. Impossible to pick one out of three, because all players contribute to FC Barcelona’s massive triumph. Salma is a World Cup winner at only 20 years old, and resulted in runner-up only to Aitana at last year’s function. Caroline Graham Hansen, an experienced Norewegian, is as rapid as lightning and can shoot a ball as unbreakable as brick. Aitana is the most decorated footballer ever, man or woman, in one calendar year for her glorious 2023. Either way, the shiny trophy was coming back to sunny Catalunya. And second time’s the charm, because Aitana was kissing the Golden Ball for the second year in a row.

Graham Hansen came close, although if she had won wouldn’t be the first Norwegian to secure a Ballon D’or. Paralluelo retains top 3 in voting, having only moved down one spot from a season’s cycle. As Aitana is celebrated, all nominees should be proud, especially those in red and blue. One, two, three, it’s a Barcelona winning spree!

Fit for a Queen / BBC News