Aitana Bonmati Clinches the Title of Top FIFA Women's Player for a Second Consecutive Year
Spanish midfielder Bonmati bagged the Best FIFA Women's Player title for the second year in a row, following a successful year with her club and country.
Bonmati, who played a crucial role in Spain's World Cup victory in 2023, further added a domestic trophy hat-trick and the Champions League to her résumé with Barcelona in the 2023-24 season. She also aided Spain in clinching the Nations League in February.
Bonmati defended her FIFA Women's Player of the Year title, edging out Zambia's Barbra Banda and Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen.
"I am humbly grateful for this recognition," the 26-year-old stated at the Tuesday ceremony in Doha, Qatar.
"As I usually emphasize, this is a team accomplishment. It was a challenging year to repeat. I am grateful to everyone who assists me in my daily improvement, from my club to my teammates, who constantly push me to improve."
For the second time in a row, Bonmati was also named the women's Ballon d'Or winner in October.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Bonmati on social media.
"Your performances continued to bring delight to fans worldwide, whether playing for FC Barcelona or Spain," Infantino wrote on Instagram.
"In particular, your club performances shone brightly as you clinched the domestic treble and the UEFA Women’s Champions League title."
In various categories, United States goalkeeper Naeher was crowned the Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper after leading her team to the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal.
"I am deeply honored to receive this award," Naeher, a Chicago Red Stars player, said.
"It has been an exceptionally memorable season, and our team was a delight to be a part of. I am fortunate to give all the praise to the players in front of me for their outstanding performances throughout the season."
American coach Hayes was named the Best FIFA Women’s Coach for guiding her team to a record-breaking fifth Olympic gold medal. Prior to leading the USWNT, Hayes had also led Chelsea to the Women's Super League title in the previous season, marking her fifth consecutive league win with the club.
"I am astonished by this award. It's a remarkable honor, something I will never take for granted," the Englishwoman said. "It has been a remarkable year, so I am deeply grateful to receive this award."
Legendary Brazilian footballer Marta was the first recipient of the FIFA Marta Award, a tribute named after her, for her goal against Jamaica in June, her 119th international strike.
"I am thrilled with this outcome. Competing against such talented players revealed some fantastic goals. It has been an exceptional season, as well," said Marta. "However, receiving an award bearing my name is the pinnacle of honors."
The Best Awards represent FIFA's take on the prestigious Ballon d'Or tradition.
FIFA announced that the award winners were selected by an "equal weighting voting system" from fans, the current captains and coaches of all national teams, and media representatives.
In the men's categories, Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. received the Best FIFA Men's Player award, Carlo Ancelotti was named the best coach, and Aston Villa's Emi Martinez was honored as the best goalkeeper for the second consecutive year.
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho won the FIFA Puskas Award for his stunning overhead kick for Manchester United against Everton in November 2023.
Alyssa Naeher, the United States goalkeeper, celebrated another victory at the Best FIFA Awards, being crowned the Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper for her outstanding performance during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Emma Hayes, the English coach, was also recognized at the Best FIFA Awards, winning the Best FIFA Women’s Coach title for leading her team to a record-breaking fifth Olympic gold medal.
Marta, the legendary Brazilian footballer, received the FIFA Marta Award, a tribute named after her, for her impressive goal against Jamaica, marking her 119th international strike.
Meanwhile, in the men's categories, Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid received the Best FIFA Men's Player award, Carlo Ancelotti was named the best coach, and Aston Villa's Emi Martinez was honored as the best goalkeeper for the second consecutive year at the Best FIFA Awards.
In addition, Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho made history at the awards, winning the FIFA Puskas Award for his stunning overhead kick against Everton in November 2023.
