Aitana Bonmatí has cemented her status as one of the world's top female footballers by becoming the first player to finish at number one in the Guardian's Top 100 History for three consecutive years. The Barcelona midfielder, just 27, has continued her dominance in a season where the women's game is growing exponentially and talented players are emerging from all corners of the globe.
The Catalan native has become synonymous with the Blaugrana stripes, making over 300 appearances for her beloved club, Catalonia born and bred, with both parents being teachers of the Catalan language. Her impressive performances on the pitch have earned her widespread recognition, not just in Spain but around the world.
Bonmatí's latest achievement comes after a tight margin of victory in last year's Top 100, where she received 43% of the number one votes, ahead of compatriot Mariona Caldentey with 21%. The Spanish starlet has been unstoppable, showcasing her sublime brilliance on the continental stage and leading her team to a Champions League final as well as a Euro victory with Spain.
However, Bonmatí's success is about to take a hit, as she will miss over four months of action in 2026 after breaking her leg in training before the Nations League final. The injury will be a significant blow to both herself and Barcelona, but it won't affect her status as one of the world's top players.
The latest Top 100 rankings also saw some big movers, with Pina, a 65-place climber, and Esther González, up 59 places, making their mark. Klara Bühl moved up 40 places to propel Arsenal striker Russo into the top three. Meanwhile, new faces such as Okoronkwo, Gutierres, Monday, Smith, Yohannes, and Gaupset made a notable appearance.
The Women's Super League asserts its dominance with 39 players on the list, ahead of the NWSL with 19 and Liga F with 16. Players like Jess Park, Aoba Fujino, Mary Fowler, and Maya Le Tissier just missed out. The only three players to maintain a place in every year's Top 100 are Bronze, Renard, and Harder.
In conclusion, Bonmatí's remarkable achievement is a testament to her incredible talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport. Despite the injury setback, she will undoubtedly continue to be one of the world's top players, cementing her place in history as one of the greatest female footballers of all time.
The Catalan native has become synonymous with the Blaugrana stripes, making over 300 appearances for her beloved club, Catalonia born and bred, with both parents being teachers of the Catalan language. Her impressive performances on the pitch have earned her widespread recognition, not just in Spain but around the world.
Bonmatí's latest achievement comes after a tight margin of victory in last year's Top 100, where she received 43% of the number one votes, ahead of compatriot Mariona Caldentey with 21%. The Spanish starlet has been unstoppable, showcasing her sublime brilliance on the continental stage and leading her team to a Champions League final as well as a Euro victory with Spain.
However, Bonmatí's success is about to take a hit, as she will miss over four months of action in 2026 after breaking her leg in training before the Nations League final. The injury will be a significant blow to both herself and Barcelona, but it won't affect her status as one of the world's top players.
The latest Top 100 rankings also saw some big movers, with Pina, a 65-place climber, and Esther González, up 59 places, making their mark. Klara Bühl moved up 40 places to propel Arsenal striker Russo into the top three. Meanwhile, new faces such as Okoronkwo, Gutierres, Monday, Smith, Yohannes, and Gaupset made a notable appearance.
The Women's Super League asserts its dominance with 39 players on the list, ahead of the NWSL with 19 and Liga F with 16. Players like Jess Park, Aoba Fujino, Mary Fowler, and Maya Le Tissier just missed out. The only three players to maintain a place in every year's Top 100 are Bronze, Renard, and Harder.
In conclusion, Bonmatí's remarkable achievement is a testament to her incredible talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport. Despite the injury setback, she will undoubtedly continue to be one of the world's top players, cementing her place in history as one of the greatest female footballers of all time.