Barça star Aitana Bonmatí wins Ballon d'Or 2024

Barça star Aitana Bonmatí was awarded the 2024 Ballon d'Or in the women’s category at a ceremony in Paris on Monday evening.

The midfielder capped off another stellar year by claiming this prestigious honor, awarded by French magazine France Football, for the second consecutive year.

The Catalan star scored 26 goals and provided 18 assists last season, helping her team to an impressive quadruple: the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Spain's Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, and the Supercopa.

"Bona nit," Aitana said, as the entire audience in the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet stood up in applause. 

"I am very thankful for my second Ballon d'Or, but as I always say, this isn’t achieved alone. I am surrounded by great players," she said in Catalan during her speech.

The Sant Pere de Ribes native also thanked the club, its directors, staff and "all the culés who support us every week and allow us to live unforgettable moments".

Bonmatí also paid special tribute to her teammate Caroline Graham Hansen, highlighting the " connection" they share on the pitch.

The Norwegian forward, who finished just behind Bonmatí, was regarded as one of the top contenders for the award.

Barça's Salma Paralluelo finished in third place to round off an impressive achievement for the club.

Earlier in the evening, FC Barcelona Femení was named Women's Club of the Year after an incredible title-winning season.

In the men's category, Catalan sensation Lamine Yamal took home the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21. The young star from FC Barcelona also ranked as the 8th best player overall.

“It is an honor to receive this award,” said the 17-year-old, marking the first time a player under 18 has won it.

Yamal thanked his family, his teammates and the national team. "Visca el Barça i la capital, 304," he concluded, nodding to the zip code of his hometown, the Rocafonda neighborhood of Mataró.

Former Barça player Jenni Hermoso won the Sócrates Award, which recognizes the best humanitarian work by a footballer.

"This is an award from all my teammates, because equality is not always a fact," she said upon receiving the award, referring to the non-consensual kiss by former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales after winning the World Cup. 

"A girl told me a few days ago: 'I want to be a soccer player like you'. For her and for all women, I will never stop fighting," she added. 

The men's Ballon d'Or was won by Rodri Hernández, the Spanish midfielder who plays for Manchester City.