Aitana Bonmatí has cemented her status as a football legend by becoming the first player to claim top spot in the Guardian's women's football history rankings for three consecutive years. The 27-year-old midfielder, who was also a winner last year and in 2023, demonstrated remarkable consistency and class to secure another number one ranking.
Bonmatí's impressive performance on the continental stage, particularly in the Champions League and Euro finals with Spain, earned her a significant lead over competitors such as Mariona Caldentey and Caroline Graham Hansen. Her dominant showings saw her receive 43% of the top spot votes, ahead of Caldentey with 21%.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights Bonmatí's exceptional skills but also underscores her status as a role model for young footballers around the world. Born in Catalonia, Bonmatí has become synonymous with the Barcelona club and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the women's game.
Despite facing an injury to her leg that will keep her out for over four months next year, Bonmatí remains at the top of the tree. Her remarkable talent and dedication have earned her a coveted spot in the Guardian's history rankings, marking her place alongside other football legends.
The growth of the women's game has been rapid, with many new faces making their mark on this year's list. The top 100 saw almost a quarter of its entries from first-timers, highlighting the increasing level of competition and talent within the sport. Notable newcomers to the list included Nigerian striker Esther Okoronkwo and Mexican defender Charlyn Corral.
As England pip Spain as the nation with the most players in the Guardian's rankings, while Brazil moves into the top five for the first time, it is clear that the women's game continues to grow and evolve at an incredible pace.
Bonmatí's impressive performance on the continental stage, particularly in the Champions League and Euro finals with Spain, earned her a significant lead over competitors such as Mariona Caldentey and Caroline Graham Hansen. Her dominant showings saw her receive 43% of the top spot votes, ahead of Caldentey with 21%.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights Bonmatí's exceptional skills but also underscores her status as a role model for young footballers around the world. Born in Catalonia, Bonmatí has become synonymous with the Barcelona club and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the women's game.
Despite facing an injury to her leg that will keep her out for over four months next year, Bonmatí remains at the top of the tree. Her remarkable talent and dedication have earned her a coveted spot in the Guardian's history rankings, marking her place alongside other football legends.
The growth of the women's game has been rapid, with many new faces making their mark on this year's list. The top 100 saw almost a quarter of its entries from first-timers, highlighting the increasing level of competition and talent within the sport. Notable newcomers to the list included Nigerian striker Esther Okoronkwo and Mexican defender Charlyn Corral.
As England pip Spain as the nation with the most players in the Guardian's rankings, while Brazil moves into the top five for the first time, it is clear that the women's game continues to grow and evolve at an incredible pace.
. She's not just a player, she's a legend 
. The growth of the women's game is crazy 
, it's like the talent pool is overflowing 
. Can't wait to see what next year brings for this young star 
. And England piping Spain is wild 
, I'm loving the competitiveness 
. What's up with Brazil making a huge jump though? 
️ and her dedication to the sport is truly inspiring. I love how she's become a role model for young players around the world, showing them that with hard work and talent, they can achieve their dreams 
. And it's awesome to see the growth of women's football - new faces are killing the game! 
another year, another Aitana Bonmatí dominating the Guardian's rankings 
she's basically untouchable right now but i gotta wonder, how long can this consistency last? 
is she gonna come back from injury and still put up those kind of numbers or was it just a fluke in 2023?
more players making a name for themselves, new faces on the list... but i'm curious if this is just a bubble waiting to burst? 
are we gonna see some surprises come next year or was this just a strong 2024? 
, but seriously though its dope to see youngins like Esther Okoronkwo and Charlyn Corral makin waves in the game 
i'm not surprised tho, i've been watching her play since like high school and she was always so good. i'm low-key worried about her injury tho... 4 months is a looong time 
but hopefully she'll make a quick recovery and keep slaying the game 
. And it's awesome to see so many new faces emerging in the top 100 
As for England taking over Spain in terms of players, that's a big deal 
!
And honestly, I'm loving how the Guardian's rankings are reflecting the growth of women's football. It's like, we're finally getting recognition for the incredible talent out there 
, but let's be real, that club has a reputation for producing top-notch players 
. And I love how young players like Esther Okoronkwo and Charlyn Corral are making waves in the sport 
!
. Like, we get it, she's a genius on the field...no need to brag about it in the Guardian's rankings for the third time in a row 
. But seriously, it's awesome to see her breaking barriers and inspiring young players worldwide. Those new faces like Esther Okoronkwo and Charlyn Corral are exciting additions to the game! England's on fire 
.
And let's not forget about the increasing competition we're seeing - it's not just about individual greatness, but also about the ecosystem that supports our female athletes. England and Brazil making a push into the top 5 is awesome, but what does it say about our priorities as a society if they can't already match Spain in terms of player representation? 
Her dedication to her craft is inspiring, especially when you think about the tough road ahead with that injury looming 
and her consistency is truly inspiring. The fact that she's got the entire continent talking shows just how big her talent is 
she sounds like a total legend though! 
. It's not just about Bonmatí though, it's about all these other young girls who are working hard to make their mark on the sport too 
. And let's be real, it's about time we started recognizing the achievements of women in football - they're just as skilled and dedicated as the guys!