Ballon d'Or 2024: Barcelona named Women's Team of the Year at yearly gala
Barcelona Femení were named Women's Club of the Year at the France Football Ballon d'Or 2024 gala on October 28 in Théâtre du Châtelet. It was their second consecutive distinction at the Ballon d'Or gala after a historic 2023-24 season that culminated in the club's first quadruple.
Barcelona Femení dominated on all fronts last season, winning the Spanish Super Cup, Liga F, Copa de la Reina, and the UEFA Women's Champions League. In the domestic league, the women had a brilliant season, securing 29 wins and just one draw and claiming the Liga F title for the fifth consecutive time.
Barcelona defeated Lyon in the final of the Women's Champions League by a margin of 2-0. Aitana Bonmati opened the scoring for La Blaugrana, followed by Alexia Putellas providing the finishing touch.
After being announced by Didier Drogba, Barcelona President Joan Laporta, and captain Alexia Putellas joined the former Chelsea legend on stage to collect the honor at the Ballon d'Or gala.
Highlighting the efforts of the players and the work being done to promote women's football, Laporta said (via fcbarcelona.com):
"I want to thank the players who work so hard for FC Barcelona to have the best women's team in the world. We are extremely committed to the women's game, and women's rights, freedoms and equalities."
The two were joined by several members of the team including Bonmati, Graham Hansen, Salma, Patri, Marta Torrejón, Pere Romeu, and Xavier Puig, to collect the award.
Aitana Bonmati claims her 2nd consecutive Ballon d'Or in 2024
Aitana Bonmati claimed her second consecutive Ballon d'Or at the 2024 gala. The Spaniard scored 26 goals and 18 assists across competitions last season to win the historic quadruple with Barcelona Femení and the Nations League with La Roja.
The 26-year-old was one of the most clutch players for the Catalan giants, turning up with goals and assists at the most crucial times for the team. She scored in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Chelsea on April 27.
The Barcelona superstar came through again to break the deadlock against Lyon in the Champions League final at San Mames. Barcelona won the game 2-0 to clinch their third Champions League crown. Aitana Bonmati also won the MVP of the final and was declared the 2023-24 Champions League MVP.
The only blemish in her otherwise spotless resume was the fact that Spain failed to win a medal at the Olympics despite being favorites to bag the gold. However, it wasn't enough to hamper her Ballon d'Or chances.