Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has been named FIFA Best Women’s Player of the Year for the third year in a row, further cementing her status as one of the most influential players in women’s football. The 27-year-old Spaniard received the award at the FIFA Best Awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar, following a stellar 2024–25 campaign with both club and country.

A Season of Triumphs and Near-Misses

Bonmati played a pivotal role in Spain’s runner-up finish at Euro 2025, where she was also named Player of the Tournament. The midfielder showcased her leadership and creativity throughout the competition, helping guide the Spanish national team to the final, which they narrowly lost to England on penalties.

At club level, Bonmati enjoyed domestic success with Barcelona, achieving a La Liga F treble. She contributed 12 goals and six assists in the league, while also helping her side reach the Champions League final, where they were narrowly defeated by Arsenal. Her performances in Europe included nine goal contributions in 11 appearances, highlighted by a goal in the semi-final 4-1 second-leg victory over Chelsea.

“I am grateful to have the honour,” Bonmati said after receiving the award. “If it wasn’t for all the players, coaches and the fans, I would not win it—but I will enjoy this moment.”

Earlier in September, Bonmati also became the first player to win the women’s Ballon d’Or three times, following her awards in 2023 and 2024.

Sarina Wiegman Wins Coach of the Year for Fifth Time

England manager Sarina Wiegman was named FIFA Best Women’s Coach for the fifth time after guiding the Lionesses to their second consecutive European Championship in Switzerland. Despite a challenging period for England, marked by player retirements and mixed results, Wiegman led her team to a dramatic victory over Spain in the Euro 2025 final via penalties.

Wiegman expressed her gratitude after receiving the award:
“It’s an absolute honour to receive this award again. Thank you to the FA for their continued support for me and the team. This award is actually for players and staff. We’ve shown so much conviction, belief and togetherness that led us to our second Euro win. Moving into 2026, let’s keep pushing the women’s game forward together and create an environment for every player so they can reach their full potential.”

She beat Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor and Arsenal’s Renee Slegers to the award.

Hannah Hampton Named Best Women’s Goalkeeper

Chelsea and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was named FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper, adding to her Yashin Trophy from the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The 25-year-old was instrumental in England defending their European title, keeping 13 clean sheets during Euro 2025, and was a key figure in Chelsea’s domestic treble-winning campaign.

Hampton praised her coaches and fans:
“With club and country, we have achieved so much and there is still much more for us to go and get. To the fans, both club and country, your support doesn’t go unnoticed. It helps push us to go and get the win for you all. Thank you very much.”

Lizbeth Ovalle Wins Marta Award for Best Goal

Mexico’s Lizbeth Ovalle won the Marta Award for the best goal in women’s football after scoring a stunning scorpion kick for Tigres against Guadalajara in Liga MX Femenil. Ovalle now plays for Orlando Pride in the US National Women’s Soccer League.

Barcelona Dominate FIFA Best Women’s XI

The Best FIFA Women’s XI showcased the dominance of Barcelona players, with four members of England’s Euro 2025-winning squad also included.

The full XI:

• Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
• Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Irene Paredes (Barcelona), Ona Batlle (Barcelona)
• Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona), Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona), Claudia Pina (Barcelona)
• Forwards: Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

The lineup reflects Barcelona’s continued strength in women’s football while highlighting England’s growing prominence at the international level.