Aitana Bonmatí: Finding Silver Linings in Injury and Success
Aitana Bonmatí, the 27-year-old Spanish midfielder, has been crowned the best women’s player in the world for the third consecutive time by ESPN FC Women’s Rank. This recognition comes after a remarkable year with Barcelona and Spain, where she won a domestic treble and reached the finals of the Champions League and Euro 2025. However, her brilliant season was cut short when she broke her leg in training, ruling her out for five months.
Despite the setback, Bonmatí is choosing to focus on the positives. “It’s the first tough injury I have had in my career,” she told ESPN. “I maybe had little injuries, one month, one month and a half, but never four or five months with a surgery. It’s the first time I’m in this situation. But I am taking it positively. I am taking this moment to relax, to think about myself and to be calm.” This break has given her the chance to rest and recharge, something she hasn’t been able to do in the past five years due to her intense playing schedule.
A Prolific Career
Bonmatí has been an integral part of Barcelona’s success, helping the team reach the last five Champions League finals. She has also played a crucial role in Spain’s achievements, including winning the World Cup in 2023 and the Nations League in 2024 and 2025. Her individual awards include the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s The Best for the third consecutive year, making her the first woman to claim the Ballon d’Or three times.
According to Bonmatí, the last five years have been “great, but also tough” due to the constant pressure and lack of rest. “It’s been so many years at the top level, without hardly any rest, playing almost everything which, in addition to a lot of victories and great moments, brings with it significant wear and tear.” She believes that this injury can help her recover and come back stronger than before, setting a new goal for herself to focus on her well-being and rehabilitation.
Recovery and Future Plans
Bonmatí is expected to return to training in April and could potentially play a key role in Barcelona’s season finale, including the Champions League final. “Right now, I’m only focused on my recovery,” she said. “My goal is to be back before the end of the season and I think it’s possible because I don’t have the worst injury I can.” With her sights set on a successful recovery, Bonmatí is determined to make the most of this challenging situation and come back stronger than ever.
Bonmatí’s recognition as the best women’s player in the world is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. With her positive attitude and focus on recovery, she is sure to come back stronger than ever, inspiring fans and aspiring players around the world. As she looks to the future, Bonmatí remains grateful for the support of her team, family, and fans, and is eager to make the most of this challenging situation.
