Football
Aitana Bonmati Wins 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or, Clinching Back-to-Back Titles
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati has made history yet again by winning her second consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, cementing her status among the world’s best.
Her 2024 win follows an extraordinary season of accomplishments both at the club and international levels.
Bonmati edged out a competitive field, surpassing Barcelona teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo, as well as Lyon’s Ada Hegerberg, to claim the prestigious award.
A central figure in Barcelona’s success, Bonmati played a pivotal role in securing the Women’s Champions League title, where she opened the scoring in a decisive 2-0 victory over Lyon in the final.
She led the tournament in goal involvement with six goals and five assists, demonstrating her unmatched versatility as a midfielder.
In total, Bonmati tallied 19 goals and 17 assists across 41 appearances in all competitions. Her achievements extend beyond club football. She also played a crucial role for Spain, helping them capture the inaugural Women’s Nations League title, where she scored in the final against France.
Following in the footsteps of her teammate Alexia Putellas, Bonmati becomes another Barcelona player to win back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards, affirming her place in football history.
With Hansen and Paralluelo joining her on the podium, it was a Barcelona-dominated top three in Paris.
A New Era for the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy
In addition to the Ballon d’Or Féminin, the inaugural Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy was awarded to former Chelsea manager and current U.S. national team head coach, Emma Hayes. Hayes, who led Chelsea to seven Women’s Super League titles over her 12-year tenure, capped her impressive career in England before leading the United States to a gold medal in her debut tournament at the Paris Olympics.
Barcelona Retains Women’s Club of the Year Title
Barcelona’s dominance was once again recognized as they retained the Women’s Club of the Year title. As champions of both Spain and Europe, the club continues to set the standard in women’s football, having secured the award since its inception in 2023.
2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin Nominees
Best Women’s Player
– Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)
– Barbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)
– Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)
– Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)
– Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, PSG / Lyon)
– Grace Geyoro (France, PSG)
– Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)
– Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)
– Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)
– Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)
– Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)
– Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Lyon)
– Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)
– Lindsey Horan (USA, Lyon)
– Lauren James (England, Chelsea)
– Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, PSG)
– Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)
– Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)
– Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)
– Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)
– Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)
– Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)
– Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)
– Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)
– Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)
– Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)
– Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)
– Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)
– Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)
– Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)
Barcelona will be without manager Hansi Flick for their final two matches of the year after the Appeals Committee upheld his red card suspension.
The German coach received a red card during the clash with Real Betis for shouting and making gestures towards the officials, a decision that Barcelona attempted to overturn.
Flick maintained that his outburst was directed at himself and his players, not at the referees. Despite this explanation, the Appeals Committee rejected Barcelona’s appeal.
According to Sport, the committee found the video evidence insufficient to contradict the referee’s report and pointed out that Flick voiced his frustration after being sent off.
This reasoning appears particularly strict, as it is common for managers to express displeasure following a red card, especially if they feel the decision is unjust. Typically, such post-dismissal reactions only influence decisions regarding additional suspensions, not initial bans.
Flick’s absence is a significant setback for the Blaugrana as they face Leganés and a crucial fixture against Atlético Madrid on December 21st.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies has been reinvigorated after a series of developments that suggest the Canadian defender’s future remains undecided. While Bayern had recently shown confidence in retaining Davies, Real Madrid has been given fresh hope of securing his signature.
Davies is unlikely to commit to any decision before January, allowing Real Madrid time to prepare an official contract offer.
According to Christian Falk via The Daily Briefing, Davies’ agent, Nedal Huoseh, was supposed to meet with Bayern officials in Munich.
However, the meeting was shifted to a virtual call, and Bayern’s Director of Football, Max Eberl, did not attend, reportedly frustrating Huoseh. This isn’t the first instance of strained relations between Bayern and Davies’ representative.
The next set of negotiations is now expected to happen in January. Although Bayern remains hopeful that Davies will sign a contract extension, Huoseh has scheduled meetings with both Manchester United and Real Madrid to review their offers.
Real Madrid’s current proposal is similar to Bayern’s, which could give Manchester United an edge if they table a significantly better offer. Despite Bayern’s push for a swift resolution, it appears the situation will extend into the new year.
Mo Salah has been named the Premier League Player of the Month for November, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top performers.
The Liverpool star outshone rivals Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Ryan Gravenberch, Martin Ødegaard, João Pedro, Bukayo Saka, and Yoane Wissa to clinch the award.
In November, Salah played a crucial role in Liverpool’s success, contributing to five of the team’s seven goals through either scoring or assisting.
His contributions helped the Reds secure victories in all three matches, keeping them at the top of the Premier League table.
This marks the sixth time in his career that Salah has claimed the Player of the Month honor.
He now stands alongside football icons Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time rankings. Salah is just one award away from matching the joint record of seven, currently held by Harry Kane and Sergio Agüero.
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