Aitana Bonmatí has secured a historic third spot in The Guardian's Women's Footballer of the Year Top 100 list, cementing her position as one of the world's best midfielders. The 27-year-old Catalan starlet has once again demonstrated her incredible skill and consistency, earning the top vote from our record panel of judges with 43% of the first-place picks.
Bonmatí's impressive form continued throughout 2025, despite Barcelona falling short in major European competitions. Her performances on the continent, however, saw her make history as only the second player to achieve three consecutive spots at number one, following in the footsteps of fellow Barcelona and Spain teammate Alexia Putellas.
The midfielder's dominant displays earned her a significant lead over compatriot Mariona Caldentey, who came third. Other top performers like Alessia Russo and Caroline Graham Hansen also made notable gains up the rankings.
As expected, performances on the continental stage saw new faces emerge in the top 100, with players from Brazil, Nigeria, Canada, Morocco, and Mexico making their debut. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton's impressive Euro-winning campaigns propelled her straight into the top five, while Vicky López, Sofia Cantore, Nathalie Björn, and Michelle Agyemang also broke into the top 50.
Brazil, in particular, enjoyed a significant surge up the rankings, entering the top five for the first time with five players of their own. The Women's Super League asserted its dominance once again, with 39 players on the list – an increase of 12 from last year.
The Guardian's Top 100 continues to be a benchmark for women's football excellence, with Bonmatí's consistent brilliance at the top. Despite facing a four-month injury layoff due to a broken leg suffered before the Nations League final, she remains the gold standard among midfielders, her name synonymous with Barcelona and Spanish success.
Bonmatí's impressive form continued throughout 2025, despite Barcelona falling short in major European competitions. Her performances on the continent, however, saw her make history as only the second player to achieve three consecutive spots at number one, following in the footsteps of fellow Barcelona and Spain teammate Alexia Putellas.
The midfielder's dominant displays earned her a significant lead over compatriot Mariona Caldentey, who came third. Other top performers like Alessia Russo and Caroline Graham Hansen also made notable gains up the rankings.
As expected, performances on the continental stage saw new faces emerge in the top 100, with players from Brazil, Nigeria, Canada, Morocco, and Mexico making their debut. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton's impressive Euro-winning campaigns propelled her straight into the top five, while Vicky López, Sofia Cantore, Nathalie Björn, and Michelle Agyemang also broke into the top 50.
Brazil, in particular, enjoyed a significant surge up the rankings, entering the top five for the first time with five players of their own. The Women's Super League asserted its dominance once again, with 39 players on the list – an increase of 12 from last year.
The Guardian's Top 100 continues to be a benchmark for women's football excellence, with Bonmatí's consistent brilliance at the top. Despite facing a four-month injury layoff due to a broken leg suffered before the Nations League final, she remains the gold standard among midfielders, her name synonymous with Barcelona and Spanish success.
! Reminds me of when I used to watch Abby Wambach back in the day... that woman was a beast on the field! But seriously, 43% of first-place picks? That's insane! She's basically got the magic formula down pat now. And can we talk about how amazing it is for Barcelona to have two players making history like this? Alexia Putellas must be so proud 
. It's amazing how consistent she's been all year round, even when Barcelona wasn't doing so great in the comps. And three consecutive spots at number one? That's just insane! 
The fact that new faces from Brazil, Nigeria, Canada, and other countries are breaking into the top 100 is also super exciting - it shows how far women's football has come, right? 
Her skills are seriously insane and her dedication to the game is truly inspiring 
I'm so happy that The Guardian's Top 100 list continues to be a benchmark for women's football excellence, it's just proof of how talented Aitana is 
3rd place in The Guardian's list? That's still super impressive. I love how talented players from around the world are making a name for themselves and breaking barriers in women's football 
. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is looking fierce, too! 
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! 3rd spot in The Guardian's Women's Footballer of the Year Top 100 list is no joke, you know? She's been on fire all year round 
️. I'm not surprised she got the top vote, though - that girl's got skills for days 
. The Women's Super League is killing it this year, too! 
. I gotta respect Aitana for bouncing back strong after that injury layoff - girl's got heart 
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I mean, 43% of top judges think she's the best midfielder? That's insane 
and to be second to only Alexia Putellas in terms of consecutive number one spots? respect 
! 3rd spot in The Guardian's Women's Footballer of the Year Top 100 list? that's insane 
, it's like the whole football community is just hyping up every big-name female player to get more attention 
, and honestly, it's kinda boring 
. I mean, Alexia Putellas was on fire last season too, what about her? 
shouldn't we be celebrating other talented players besides the Barcelona squad? 