Aitana Bonmati: A Rising Star in Women’s Football
When Aitana Bonmati clinched the Ballon d’Or last year, it marked a significant moment not just for her, but for women’s football as a whole. Her brilliance had been long overdue for recognition, and even now, it’s difficult to find a player who can rival her talent on the global stage. Over the past 16 months, Bonmati has secured two Champions League titles and two Liga F championships with Barcelona. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory at the Women’s World Cup last August and helped her national team to win the inaugural Women’s Nations League in February. With such an impressive track record, she stands as a formidable contender for yet another Ballon d’Or this year.
Her exceptional skills have not only captured the attention of fans but also of some of the sport’s biggest clubs. While speculation regarding interest from Chelsea and Lyon circulated, Bonmati was engaged in discussions with Barcelona to renew her contract, a deal that has now made her the highest-paid player in the history of women’s football.
This week in Barcelona, she shared insights with The Athletic, just a few days after signing a contract that binds her to the club until the summer of 2028. We met at Barca’s sports complex on the outskirts of the city, in a modest room within the media center. She arrived at noon, hurriedly explaining that she had yet to eat after a busy morning filled with training sessions and meetings.
At 26, Bonmati has embraced a relentless routine for several years. Yet, she makes the daily trip back to her home in Sant Pere de Ribes, a tranquil town about 25 minutes down the coast, where she has lived all her life. With a framed picture of the Camp Nou behind us— a stadium she eagerly awaits to play in again once renovations are complete— we delved into discussions about her contract renewal and various other topics.
We touched upon her worries regarding Spain’s domestic women’s league, which she believes is lagging dangerously behind the Women’s Super League (WSL). We discussed the demanding schedules that elite footballers face, and her conviction that more should be done to safeguard their well-being. Additionally, we explored the enticing offers she received while contemplating her future, as well as her deep-rooted connection to Barcelona and the area where she grew up.
The Athletic:
When and why did you decide to renew with Barca?
Bonmati:
It was a process that commenced earlier than usual. In women’s football, negotiations typically begin at the end of a contract, but my agent and I initiated discussions almost a year ago. This highlights the importance of this decision. Throughout the conversations, there were challenging moments and instances of disagreement, but both sides maintained a respectful dialogue, which I greatly appreciated. I wanted everything to remain confidential, and I’m thankful for that. Renewing at the start of the season allows me to focus, knowing what I want, and Barcelona has made a substantial commitment, for which I am incredibly grateful.
The Athletic:
There were rival offers. Were you tempted by other projects?
Bonmati:
I wasn’t tempted to accept any offers, but I did listen. When significant proposals are presented, it’s only wise to consider what is best for you. My priority has always been Barcelona; they come first. I often say I like to listen and explore what’s available, but I don’t think anywhere else can compare to this place. I don’t know if another club could generate the same atmosphere we experienced at San Mames last season when tens of thousands of Barca fans filled the stands for our Champions League victory over Lyon. Those are extraordinary moments that build a strong connection with the sport.
The Athletic:
Which clubs were interested in you?
Bonmati:
I prefer to keep that information private. I don’t feel the need to reveal the offers from other clubs. I’m aware of the interest from several teams, and I am thankful for that. Ultimately, my agreement with Barcelona has brought me peace and pride. The bond I share with this club, coupled with my affection for it, has driven my decision to remain.
Bonmati with her Ballon d’Or award in October last year (Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)
The Athletic:
Your agent mentioned Chelsea was prepared to pay your €3 million (£2.5m; $3.4m) buy-out clause. Lyon was also reportedly interested. Barcelona made a significant financial effort to retain you. How do you stay grounded when faced with such choices?
Bonmati:
I appreciate everything that’s happening in my career. I feel privileged to have the power to choose my path, a privilege that comes from years of hard work and dedication. I always keep my feet on the ground, taking these discussions internally with my close circle and my agent, Cristian (Martin). While I make the final decision, I rely on the wisdom of those who truly know me.
The Athletic:
Was your connection to Sant Pere de Ribes and Catalonia significant in your decision-making?
Bonmati:
I identify as a small-town person, and I’ve been with Barcelona for 13 years. While this might seem like my comfort zone, what matters most is the level of football I wish to play. I am ambitious and want to continue winning. Barcelona is a winning team that competes for top honors every year, having won three Champions League titles out of five finals. I doubt any other club could offer me the same sporting opportunities that Barcelona does.
Bonmati celebrates her opening goal in last season’s Champions League final at San Mames (Alex Caparros – UEFA via Getty Images). I feel fortunate to be at home, surrounded by my loved ones, and to have developed into the player I am today thanks to this remarkable club.
The Athletic:
When you started playing organized football at the age of seven, could you have envisioned achieving what you have today?
Bonmati:
Honestly, no. I’ve been carving my own path and making my way through the ranks. I didn’t envision becoming a professional player until I was 17, when I was part of Barcelona B and saw the club’s commitment to developing a professional first team. I’ve fought hard, pushing my limits with determination and resilience, and I owe a debt of gratitude to those who have supported my growth.
The Athletic:
You speak of extreme hard work. Have you learned to relish the journey?
Bonmati:
I’ve undergone a significant transformation. In the past, I would often suffer from stress and felt the need to control every aspect. Now, I’ve learned to enjoy the moments more, although I won’t completely change my nature. I’ve grown to appreciate the progress I’m making as both a player and a person. With time, I’ve come to savor fleeting moments that are often so quickly gone.
Bonmati made her Barca debut in 2016 (Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
The Athletic:
As someone ambitious at a club like Barcelona, how do you feel about playing in a league that seems to be below its potential?
Bonmati:
If I were to assess Liga F without considering Barcelona, I wouldn’t have chosen to stay here. It’s disheartening to witness how other leagues are advancing so rapidly while we possess the potential to be among the best—thanks to Barcelona’s successes and the national team’s achievements. If we don’t cultivate a strong league given our resources, it reflects a lack of interest in progress. We’re stagnating and failing to improve. The absence of a primary sponsor in the league raises questions about the commitment to its development. We might need to adopt a more humble approach, learn from exemplary leagues like the WSL, and analyze how they operate.
The Athletic:
What changes would you have liked to see?
Bonmati:
If I start outlining them, I may never finish—there’s so much to address. We need to strive for a more competitive league, which might mean reducing the number of teams. We should study successful leagues across Europe and examine the number of matches they play. We are the league with the most games. When players from Spain head to their national teams, whether for Spain or others, we are at a distinct disadvantage globally. In the Olympic Games, we arrived exhausted after finishing our league on June 15, and then played two fixtures before the tournament began on July 25. Meanwhile, the United States transitioned to the Olympics mid-season in the NWSL competition. This disparity diminishes our strength as players.
The Athletic:
There have been other challenging times, such as the incident following the World Cup in 2023 when Luis Rubiales kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the medal ceremony, prompting a reckoning regarding attitudes towards women in sports, as well as the struggles of Spain’s players for better conditions. When do you think was the most challenging moment throughout this process?
Bonmati:
There’s never a dull moment in this environment. You can’t simply focus on playing football; there are always underlying issues to address. I can’t pinpoint one specific moment as the hardest because there have been so many trials. The wear and tear are significant, and it often feels like there is much more work to be done.
The Athletic:
Let’s shift gears and talk about football. In the past two years, you’ve been playing closer to the goal. Do you feel more comfortable in that position?
Bonmati:
Absolutely. I’m far more effective near the box than I am from a distance. Being closer to the action enhances my capacity to contribute and allows me to assist my teammates, and vice versa. Playing in this manner definitely elevates my game.
The Athletic:
You’ve been nominated again for the Ballon d’Or. What does this recognition mean to you? How do you recall last year’s ceremony?
Bonmati:
It was a unique experience that I shared with my loved ones. As a child, I watched Lionel Messi lift the Ballon d’Or almost every year, and suddenly, to find myself in that same space, surrounded by the elite of football, was surreal. I take pride in being nominated once more; it reflects the hard work that has been accomplished this year.
The Athletic:
How would you describe the art of ‘llegada’ (arriving at the right moment in the penalty area)?
Bonmati:
It’s a skill you either possess or you don’t. It’s something I’ve been honing since childhood. I see myself as a highly skilled player capable of maneuvering in tight spaces. Over the past few years, I’ve focused on improving my finishing and effectiveness in the final moments of play, whether that means driving the ball forward or making a break for space. I aim to be a well-rounded player, and my teammates here help me reach that goal.
The Athletic:
What aspects of the game do you find most enjoyable?
Bonmati:
Receiving the ball between the lines is something I truly enjoy. I can accelerate the game by carrying the ball forward, which is a distinguishing trait of mine. In those moments, I strive to create the last pass or the crucial assist that sets up a scoring opportunity for my teammates. I relish the chance to facilitate those key moments.
The Athletic:
And at home? How do you unwind when the door is closed and the curtains drawn?
Bonmati:
(Laughs) I honestly don’t have much time for that. In recent years, I’ve missed having a proper holiday, which is vital for completely disconnecting and recharging. However, players from teams engaged in multiple competitions often lack that luxury. I try to make the most of my free time. There are periods when I read more and times when I read less. I enjoy simple pleasures, like meeting up with lifelong friends in my town square. These moments bring me joy and remind me of the Aitana I’ve always been.
(Top photo: Getty Images. Visual design: Eamonn Dalton)
