The midfielder played a key role in Barcelona's quadruple-winning side, and also claimed the Nations League to secure back-to-back Ballons d'Or.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Bonmati scored 26 in record-breaking season
• Sophia Smith highest-placed U.S. player
• Horan, Swanson & Rodman also crack top 10

• Getty Images
  

  Table of Contents

  Toggle

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bonmati clinched her expected second-straight Ballon d'Or Monday evening, beating out a number of her Barcelona teammates to pick up the honour of the best player in the women's game. The midfielder was influential for the Blaugrana in their record-breaking quadruple-winning season, tallying 44 goal contributions – while also finding the net in key Champions League fixtures. There was also a strong USWNT influence in the top 10, with four members of the Gold Medal-winning squad featuring on the list.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Barcelona dominated the top five. Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo rounded out the top three after their contributions to the Blaugrana's campaign. The USWNT also made its mark, a few months after bringing home an Olympic Gold medal. Sophia Smith, part of the renowned "triple espresso" attacking trio, finished fourth. Mal Swanson, who scored the winner in the gold medal match, came in sixth. Lyon's Lindsey Horan finished fifth. Trinity Rodman placed ninth.

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT AITANA BONMATI SAID

  Bonmati credited her team-mates in her acceptance speech: "This is not an individual achievement… I have a lot of luck to play with the amazing players I play with every day. It's because of them that I'm the best player," she said.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Imagn
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BONMATI/THE USWNT

  Bonmati will return to action immediately for Barcelona in Liga F. The Blaugrana take on Eibar this Saturday, and could open up a five-point lead atop the table should Real Madrid drop points. The USWNT contingent, meanwhile, will be in action on Wednesday when they take on Argentina in the final of a trio of friendlies.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News