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Women’s Ballon d’Or: Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati wins award for first time

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Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, 25, clinched her first Women’s Ballon d’Or after a stellar year with Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Her contributions led Barcelona to triumph in both the Spanish top flight and the Champions League, while she played a significant role in Spain’s World Cup victory. Additionally, she was honored as UEFA’s Player of the Year in August.

Among the nominees were several English players, with goalkeeper Mary Earps placing fifth, Rachel Daly at 10th, and Millie Bright and Georgia Stanway also in the running. Second place went to Chelsea and Australia’s Sam Kerr, while Barcelona and Spain’s Salma Paralluelo secured third place, and Fridolina Rolfo of Barcelona and Sweden finished fourth.

In her acceptance speech, Bonmati expressed her pride in winning the award, acknowledging the collective effort of her teammates and staff. She also commended her fellow nominees, emphasizing the responsibility of athletes as role models both on and off the field, advocating for a more inclusive and peaceful world.

Bonmati’s World Cup success with Spain was marred by controversy surrounding Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, who was criticized for allegedly kissing Jenni Hermoso without her consent after the final. During the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, Bonmati netted three goals, helping Spain secure victory against England in the final.

With four league titles and two Champions League titles under her belt, Bonmati continues to solidify her reputation as a key player for Barcelona. This year marked the fifth edition of the Women’s Ballon d’Or, with Bonmati’s teammate Alexia Putellas having won the prestigious award in the previous two years.

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Spain defeats the Netherlands to advance to their inaugural World Cup semi-final

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Spain secured their place in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals for the first time with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, thanks to a late goal from teenage winger Salma Paralluelo. Mariona Caldentey initially put Spain ahead with an 80th-minute penalty, capitalizing on a handball by Stefanie van der Gragt. However, Van der Gragt redeemed herself by scoring a stoppage-time equalizer. The game headed into extra time, where Paralluelo found the net, securing Spain’s first major semi-final in 26 years.

Despite the Netherlands’ status as runners-up in the 2019 tournament, they were outplayed for much of the match, and Paralluelo’s goal sealed Spain’s victory. Spain will face the winner of the Japan vs. Sweden match in the semi-finals. The match was marked by VAR interventions, including disallowed goals and penalty decisions. Paralluelo’s heroics ultimately stole the spotlight, making her the youngest Spanish scorer in a Women’s World Cup and a rising star in the tournament.

Van der Gragt, who is retiring after the tournament, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, first conceding a penalty and then scoring an equalizer. The Netherlands, missing Danielle van de Donk due to suspension, struggled to find their rhythm and were largely reliant on their goalkeeper. Despite their manager Jonker’s pride in the team’s progress, their journey in this major tournament came to an end with this defeat.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright