Aitana Bonmatí has solidified her position in history by becoming the first player to top the Guardian's women's football rankings for a third consecutive year. The 27-year-old midfielder from Barcelona has been on an unstoppable roll, defying expectations and dominating the sport with her exceptional skill and vision.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for Bonmatí, who has consistently performed at the highest level throughout her career. Her dedication and passion for the game have earned her widespread recognition, not just within the football community but also globally.
As the top of the tree in 2025, Bonmatí garnered an impressive 43% of the No 1 votes, leaving her compatriot Mariona Caldentey in second place with a mere 21%. Her commanding performance on the continental stage has earned her first-time appearances for several players, including Brazil's Amanda Gutierres and Nigeria's Gift Monday.
The Barcelona starlet has become an icon not just at home but also around the world, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations of female footballers. Her dominance is undeniable, with 300 appearances under her belt for her beloved club, Barcelona.
However, Bonmatí will be sorely missed as she takes a break due to a broken leg sustained in training before the Nations League final. The injury will keep her out of action for over four months, leaving fans and opponents alike eagerly anticipating her return to the pitch.
With almost a quarter of this year's 100 being brand new faces, it is clear that the women's game is rapidly growing in popularity and talent. Bonmatí has become synonymous with excellence, but she remains determined to stay at the top, where only the best can endure.
As the years go by, Bonmatí will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and her infectious passion for the game have earned her a permanent place in the annals of football history.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for Bonmatí, who has consistently performed at the highest level throughout her career. Her dedication and passion for the game have earned her widespread recognition, not just within the football community but also globally.
As the top of the tree in 2025, Bonmatí garnered an impressive 43% of the No 1 votes, leaving her compatriot Mariona Caldentey in second place with a mere 21%. Her commanding performance on the continental stage has earned her first-time appearances for several players, including Brazil's Amanda Gutierres and Nigeria's Gift Monday.
The Barcelona starlet has become an icon not just at home but also around the world, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations of female footballers. Her dominance is undeniable, with 300 appearances under her belt for her beloved club, Barcelona.
However, Bonmatí will be sorely missed as she takes a break due to a broken leg sustained in training before the Nations League final. The injury will keep her out of action for over four months, leaving fans and opponents alike eagerly anticipating her return to the pitch.
With almost a quarter of this year's 100 being brand new faces, it is clear that the women's game is rapidly growing in popularity and talent. Bonmatí has become synonymous with excellence, but she remains determined to stay at the top, where only the best can endure.
As the years go by, Bonmatí will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and her infectious passion for the game have earned her a permanent place in the annals of football history.
, 43% is pretty mediocre if you ask me 
, and now she's gonna be out for 4 months, that's like an eternity for a player who's used to being on top of the world 
...and what about all these other talented players who are suddenly "brand new faces" just because they're not as famous yet? 
it's all just hype, if you ask me 
...anyway, I'm sure she'll come back stronger than ever, or so we've been told 
! I mean, 300 appearances under her belt and still going strong? That's crazy! And now she gets to be an inspiration to so many young girls around the world, showing them that with hard work and determination, they can achieve their dreams too 
. A bit sad that she's out for a while due to injury, but I'm sure she'll be back even stronger 
. This is some amazing stuff, great to see women's football getting so much love and recognition! 
I mean, Aitana's skills are literally on another level 
. And 300 appearances for Barcelona? She's a legend already 
. Can't wait to see her back on the pitch after this break 
. The women's game is getting so much better and more popular, it's amazing to see all these new talented players coming up 
and that's not even counting all the countries she's played for now... Brazil, Nigeria, who knows where next? 
. Broken leg or not, we're all gonna miss her on the pitch 
but she'll be back stronger than ever 
and it's amazing to see her breaking records & getting recognition globally 
do you think she'll come back even stronger when she gets back?
i mean 300 appearances for barcelona? that's crazy! but seriously, it's amazing to see a female player dominating the game like this. what do you think makes her so special? is it just her skills or is there something else about her personality that inspires people? 
. And can we talk about how inspiring she is to young female footballers everywhere? She's breaking down barriers and showing them what they can achieve with hard work and dedication 
but trust me, she's gonna be back stronger than ever! 
. I'm so hyped to see her come back from this injury, I need my Barcelona fix ASAP 
. And Bonmatí's influence extends far beyond the pitch – she's an icon not just in Spain but all over the world 
. I mean, 300 appearances for Barcelona? That's dedication at its finest 
hopefully she comes back stronger than ever 
She's basically unstoppable on the pitch and I love how she's breaking barriers for women's football. Can't wait to see her return from injury and crush it again 