“Pep Called Me the Woman Iniesta”: 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin Winner Aitana Bonmati Namedrops Lionel Messi and Barcelona Legends in a Heartwarming Tribute

FC Barcelona has produced some of the best soccer players to play the game over the years. Another big name from the rose to the occasion tonight as Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati bagged the Ballon d’Or Feminin award for the first time in her career. The player had a phenomenal season last year, bagging the World Cup title with her national team. Following her win, the midfielder walked down the memory lane, sharing her experience with Barcelona while sharing tributes to Lionel Messi and other club icons.

The 25-year-old was in stunning form in the World Cup as she bagged the Golden Ball award at the end of the tournament. The Barcelona star, with her Ballon d’Or, win broke the streak of fellow teammate Alexia Putellas, who had won the last two editions of the coveted title. Yet, all thanks go to Messi!

Aitana Bonmati remembers Lionel Messi in a special tribute

The Spanish midfielder grew up as a fan of FC Barcelona and always wanted to represent the club. During her speech after winning the coveted title, the player remembered when the former Barcelona boss compared her to one of the team’s icons. Aitana also stated that watching Messi alongside some of the best Barcelona players is one of her favorite memories.

During the Ballon d’Or ceremony, she stated, “Pep called me the ‘Woman Iniesta’? Pep is a role model for us. I wasn’t able to watch him as a player, but we were lucky to live through the golden era of Barça with him, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi. Those were the most beautiful days of my life.”

Aitana is one of the Barcelona players who grew up dreaming about playing at Camp Nou. The player has done a great job of making her dreams come true with some brilliant performances over the years. The player had an excellent season for club and country last year, and she put on phenomenal numbers throughout the campaign.

The Spanish midfielder, in her short time with FC Barcelona, has become one of the most decorated players at the club. Bonmati has already bagged four league titles with the club, alongside two Champions League titles. Pretty impressive figures for a 25-year-old. The Spaniard added another accolade to her list as she bagged the Ballon d’Or Feminin award tonight.

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Aitana Bonmati bags the Ballon d’Or Feminin

The player took the stage to thank her teammates while leaving a message for all the players around the world. “I’m very proud to win the Ballon d’Or. Football is a collective sport, so I’d like to extend this prize to my teammates and staff. Finally, congratulations to the other nominees. They’re great footballers. As role models, we have a responsibility on and off the pitch. We should be more than athletes and keep leading by example and fighting together for a better, peaceful, and equal world.”

Barcelona fans will hope that Bonmati can continue to deliver for the team this season and bag some more silverware with the club. The midfielder has already established herself as a key name for the side and could be one of the biggest names in the years to come.

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