Win or learn. You never lose. This mantra is emblazoned on a mural in Sant Pere de Ribes, Spain, capturing the spirit of Aitana Bonmatí Conca, who stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. The mural shows Bonmatí with a Ballon d’Or trophy in one hand, embracing her younger self with the other, symbolizing her journey from a small town to global stardom.
Bonmatí, hailed as the world’s best women’s player, has set her sights on leading Spain to its first UEFA Women’s Euro title in Switzerland. Her journey began in Sant Pere de Ribes, just 670 miles from where she hopes to achieve her next career milestone. The 27-year-old rejoined the Spanish national team after a brief hospitalization for viral meningitis, determined to continue her legacy.
The Early Years: Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Sport
Growing up as the only girl playing soccer among boys in her hometown, Bonmatí’s journey was anything but conventional. “My first memory is playing soccer in the schoolyard of Escola El Pi,” she recalls. “Times have changed a lot in recent years. When I was young, I didn’t have the chance to look into the future and see [female] role models to aspire to.”
Her upbringing was rooted in values of equality and perseverance. Her parents made the progressive decision to reverse the traditional Spanish naming order, allowing her to carry her mother’s surname as her first name. This decision was a testament to the family’s commitment to gender equality, a principle that would guide Bonmatí throughout her career.
Rising Through the Ranks: From Barcelona Femení Academy to Global Stardom
At 14, Bonmatí joined Barcelona’s female academy, Barcelona Femení Academy, inspired by her idols Andrés Iniesta and Xavi. Despite the lack of a fully professional women’s team at the time, she was determined to pursue her dream of becoming a professional soccer player. Her family considered a move to the University of Oregon, where women’s soccer was more established, but ultimately, Bonmatí chose to stay with Barcelona.
In 2015, her decision proved wise as Barcelona’s board transformed the women’s team into a professional squad. Bonmatí earned her place in the first team a year later, becoming the role model she once lacked. “I think that women’s football has grown a lot [in Spain] in the last six or seven years,” she says. “Barça has played a fundamental role because since we won the Champions League and since they have bet on us, we have been the most recognized team in Europe and the world.”
Six league titles, three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, seven national cups, and five Spanish Super Cups have catapulted Barcelona Femení into the most famous club in the world.
Global Impact: Championing Equality and Inspiring the Next Generation
Bonmatí’s influence extends beyond the soccer field. She has become a symbol of progress and empowerment, inspiring countless young athletes. “It’s a privilege to have become a role model for so many girls and boys,” she says. “Today I can see many people wearing my jersey in Barcelona or around the world, and this is something unique that was impossible to imagine just a few years ago.”
The growing popularity of women’s soccer is evident. In 2022, Barcelona broke the world record attendance for a women’s soccer match twice, with over 91,000 fans attending crucial Champions League matches at Camp Nou. “What we have generated at the social level in Barcelona, filling the Camp Nou every now and then, and having a lot of fans at the Estadi Johan Cruyff every week,” Bonmatí notes. “I believe it’s almost impossible for any other team.”
Aitana Bonmatí has played 321 matches for Barcelona, scoring 112 goals.
Overcoming Challenges: Spain’s World Cup Triumph and Beyond
Spain’s historic World Cup victory in 2023, with Bonmatí as the tournament’s best player, was a testament to her leadership and skill. However, the journey was fraught with challenges. Months before the tournament, Bonmatí and 14 other players declared themselves unavailable for selection, citing issues with head coach Jorge Vilda. Eventually, Bonmatí and others returned, driven by the desire to represent their country.
“It was a surprise for us and for everyone,” she reflects. “We faced a complicated season and we weren’t so close as a team for everything that happened in the previous year. Many times we say that together we are stronger, and in theory it’s true, but it wasn’t the case for our squad competing in the World Cup.”
The celebrations were marred by controversy when the then-president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, kissed player Jennifer Hermoso without consent. Under pressure, Rubiales resigned, and the team showed solidarity by raising their fists with Hermoso’s No. 10 on their wrists.
Aitana Bonmatí logged three goals and two assists during the 2023 World Cup, earning the Golden Boot award.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Fight for Equality
Bonmatí’s achievements on the field are matched by her advocacy off it. Winning two FIFA Ballon d’Or awards is a recognition of her brilliance, but her focus remains on equality. “I always say I have a responsibility that goes beyond the playing field. I know I have a voice that’s heard and that carries weight,” she asserts. “For me, it’s about belief. When institutions truly believe in what they stand for, when they fight with conviction and consistency, things move forward.”
As she prepares for the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championships, Bonmatí continues to inspire future generations. “It’s one of the few competitions I have yet to win, so trying to lift that trophy is one of my goals,” she says. Her legacy is not only in her trophies but in the doors she has opened for others.
Win or learn, you never lose. Just like the mural reads, Aitana Bonmatí embodies this philosophy, leaving an indelible mark on the world of soccer and beyond.
