The Flashscore editorial team, made up of journalists from all over the world, has once again chosen the Sant Pere de Ribes-born footballer as Player of the Year.
This time, unlike in 2023 and 2024, the competition was much tougher, as she reached the finals of the two most important tournaments: the Euros (against England, decided on penalties) and the Champions League (a 1-0 loss to Arsenal).
In truth, holding onto the crown for a fourth straight year - both in these awards and the ones given by this editorial team - looks much more difficult due to her recent injury - a fractured fibula - which will keep her off the pitch until around April.
Whether she’ll have time to make a decisive impact again before the end of the current season remains to be seen, though it’s likely the second half of the year will see her back at her best.
A well-deserved and hotly contested recognition
Although there was consensus once again - the football world has chosen to reward her outstanding performances on the pitch - this time, there were more doubts, and for good reason. Individual success is closely tied to team achievements, and while Barcelona was just one goal away from forcing extra time and Spain only needed a bit more accuracy from the penalty spot, the reality is that she had to settle for silver medals in both competitions.
Mariona Caldentey, for example, has certainly made her case in 2025: a key player for La Roja, Champions League winner with the London side, and best player in the Women's Super League in her debut season.
Her 19 goals - including one in that ill-fated match against the English - and 19 assists since January 1st, along with those achievements, were not enough this time around.
You don’t have to look beyond Barça to find other players who have fiercely competed with the number six. Alexia Putellas, two-time Ballon d'Or winner; Claudia Pina - with her clinical finishing - and Patri Guijarro - an essential playmaker for both the national team and the Blaugrana - have all had outstanding years.
The striker herself, who recently renewed her contract until 2029, has scored 38 goals in 2025.
Outside Liga F, there are other names worth mentioning: one of them is Chloe Kelly, who changed the game in Basel with a decisive assist to Alessia Russo.
However, the charismatic forward hasn’t managed the same consistency as the Spanish players, something Russo herself can boast about, with 25 goals - and, counting assists, involvement in nine more - and a double European champion.
A talent that goes beyond the numbers
As Rosalia sings, to talk about Bonmati and focus only on the stats would be to fall into 'a reductionist narrative'.
This can be true for other players as well, and Mariona is another perfect example. But when it comes to Aitana, it’s clear that her influence on the pitch goes far beyond what’s measurable - she embodies leadership and ambition, qualities that even the most sophisticated stats can overlook.
Of course, A. Bonmati’s game can be analysed: beyond her 31 goal involvements, there are other impressive stats - her changes of pace while dribbling, her incisive passes, her composure under pressure, her defensive commitment...
She also played a key role in crucial matches, like the Euro semi-final against Germany, the clash at Stamford Bridge, or the last Clasico, where she didn’t even need to start to make an impact.
At times, though, the talented midfielder did show signs of physical and mental fatigue. After undergoing surgery to begin her recovery, she admitted as much on social media: "Honestly, I felt it was time to hit the brakes and, in fact, I considered it, but I didn’t do it, and life forced me to stop suddenly.
"I’m taking this lesson on board, convinced it will help me grow." Let’s hope so, and that she comes back even stronger - for the good of the sport.