In the heart of Catalonia, where the spirit of football flows through the streets like a river, Aitana Bonmat was destined to become an icon. From her early years, the young prodigy’s love for the beautiful game knew no bounds. She was a dreamer with a ball at her feet and a determination that could move mountains.
At the tender age of 13, Aitana began her journey with FC Barcelona, a club that would become her home, her sanctuary, and her canvas to paint her footballing masterpiece. Her father, a staunch supporter of her dreams, accompanied her on daily odysseys that spanned nearly two hours on public transport, all for the pursuit of excellence. Her ascent to stardom was nothing short of extraordinary. At just 16, she made her debut for the senior team during the 2015/16 season, initially in the Copa de la Reina, a competition that would come to hold a special place in her heart. It was there that her indomitable spirit first shone through.
In the following years, Aitana’s journey was punctuated by triumphs and setbacks, each molding her into the player she was destined to be. Though the 2018/19 UEFA Women’s Champions League final ended in defeat against Lyon, her determination never wavered. She was a force to be reckoned with, and her star continued to rise. By the 2019/20 season, Aitana had firmly established herself as a linchpin in Barcelona’s midfield. Her tireless efforts were rewarded with her first league title, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the Blaugrana cause.
The 2020/21 season was a watershed moment for Aitana. She was named MVP in the postponed 2020 Copa de la Reina final, and Barcelona dominated La Liga, finishing a staggering 25 points clear of their arch-rivals, Real Madrid. But it was the UEFA Women’s Champions League final that would etch her name into the annals of history. In Gothenburg, Aitana’s brilliance illuminated the pitch as she scored in the 4-0 final victory against Chelsea. She was named Player of the Match and found herself among the best in the Squad of the Season. Barcelona had claimed their first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League title, and Aitana was its shining star.
The 2021/22 campaign only added to her legend. Aitana netted a career-high 18 goals, becoming a key figure for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Yet, heartache awaited them in the Champions League final in Turin as Lyon snatched victory from their grasp. Still, Aitana’s remarkable performances earned her a place in the prestigious Team of the Season.
ADAPTING MORE ATTACKING ROLE
As the 2022/23 season dawned, fate dealt a twist of fate. Injuries to key players meant that Aitana had to adapt and take on a more attacking role, but she responded with the grace and brilliance that defined her career. Barcelona cruised to yet another Liga title and secured their second UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph. In the Eindhoven final against Wolfsburg, Barcelona found themselves trailing by two goals at half-time. But Aitana’s indomitable spirit and leadership rallied her team to a spectacular 3-2 comeback victory. She was named the UEFA Women’s Champions League Player of the Season and found herself on the Team of the Season for the third consecutive year.
Aitana’s journey to greatness was not confined to club football. She made her mark on the international stage, beginning with her debut for Spain’s Women’s U17 team in 2013. Her performances in various youth tournaments showcased her talent and leadership qualities, earning her a place in the hearts of football fans across Spain.
At the age of 15, Aitana made a significant impact on the international stage as a member of Spain’s Women’s U17 EURO squad in 2013. She showcased her talent by scoring two goals in a 4-0 group stage victory over Germany and was a crucial part of the team that reached the tournament final, even though Spain ultimately lost to Germany on penalties. Her outstanding performance earned her a spot in the Team of the Tournament. Aitana continued her international success as she contributed to Spain’s journey to the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, where they were defeated by Japan. She also played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory at the U-17 EURO in Iceland in 2015, once again earning a place in the Team of the Tournament.
As she moved up to the U-19 level, Aitana experienced both the heartbreak of a Euro final loss to France in 2016 and the joy of leading Spain to victory over France in 2017, captaining the side to a 3-2 final win in Northern Ireland. Her journey continued with her senior international debut, including a memorable goal in a friendly against England in 2019 and participation in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the same year. Aitana’s prolific scoring in the Euro 2022 qualifying, with six goals, helped Spain secure their place in the tournament held in England. Although Spain had an impressive group stage win against Finland, they were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
A brief hiatus from the national team in September 2022 was followed by her triumphant return in 2023. Aitana displayed her brilliance on the grandest stage once more, guiding Spain to their first major senior title by defeating England in a tense 2023 FIFA World Cup final. She was crowned Player of the Tournament, a fitting tribute to her astounding talent. Beyond her accomplishments on the field, Aitana has been a beacon of hope and inspiration. She uses her platform to support the United Nations Refugee Agency, demonstrating her commitment to making the world a better place.
Aitana’s journey from a girl who played football with boys in Catalonia to a global football icon is a story for the ages. Her love for the game, unwavering determination, and unyielding spirit has taken her to the pinnacle of success, and her legacy would forever be etched into the history of FC Barcelona, Spanish football, and the hearts of fans around the world. As her autobiography, “Totes unides fem força,” celebrated the legacy of Johan Cruyff, Aitana Bonmati has indeed become a symbol of strength, inspiration, and the unwavering spirit of football.
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