Aitana Bonmati, Ballon d’Or winner and Champions League champion, talks about her career, ambition and football in an interview with The Athletic. Renowned for her skills on the pitch, Bonmati’s impressive performance over the past 16 months has scooped her the Women’s World Cup and the Women’s Nations League, along with Champions League and Liga F victories. Amid rumours of Chelsea and Lyon’s interest, the midfielder has chosen to stay with Barcelona and has recently signed a contract extending her stay till 2028, making her the highest-paid player in women’s football.
In the interview with The Athletic, Bonmati discusses her decision to renew her contract with Barcelona. While she felt it respectful to hear out other offers that came her way, her allegiance has always been towards Barcelona. Addressing the emotional connection to the club, she feels that no other club could match the emotional attachment she has with Barcelona. However, she refrains from disclosing details about the interested clubs and emphasizes that the agreement with Barcelona gives her a sense of calm and pride.
While Bonmati states her gratitude for being at the helm of her career and having the ability to choose where she wants to go, keeping her feet on the ground has always been a commitment. The decision to stay was a combination of personal feelings and a strategic move. Her small-town upbringing in Sant Pere de Ribes, her 13-year tenure with Barcelona and the club’s accomplishing record in football were central to her decision-making.
The conversation with Bonmati extends to her concerns about Spain’s domestic women’s league, stagnating dangerously behind The Women’s Super League (WSL). Competitive concerns, stringency in games and hurdles that the Spain-based players have to cope with when playing for their national team are alarming issues for Bonmati. The player urges people to emulate the English league (WSL) and prioritize players’ performance and competitiveness over other mundane factors that make them feel inferior.
Despite achieving things beyond her imagination, Bonmati stresses the significance of hard work she put into her career. Starting as a seven-year-old player, she didn’t envision herself as a professional player until she was 17. Feeling extremely privileged to be at home and grow in a club that made her the player she is today, Bonmati believes the appreciation of hard work and support has made her learn to value every moment.
In Bonmati’s discourse with The Athletic, she insists that she enjoys playing closer to the box, expressing her self-perception as a skilful player who moves excellently in small spaces. When not playing football, she either spends time reading or catching up with her friends in her hometown. As she continues to rise in her career, she remains grounded and emphasizes the importance of striking a work-life balance.
