Aitana Bonmatí, the star midfielder of Barcelona and Spain, has used her UEFA Women’s Player of the Year award speech to address some of the problems women face in society and football. Bonmatí, who was instrumental in Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph in 2023, as well as Barcelona’s domestic and continental treble in 2020/21, expressed her solidarity with her teammate Jennifer Hermoso, who was the victim of an unwanted kiss by Luis Rubiales, the suspended president of the Spanish football federation.
“We just won the World Cup, but nobody is talking about that much because things have happened I wished hadn’t,” Bonmatí said after collecting the award. “I would like to speak a bit about what has happened. As a society, we shouldn’t allow abuse of power in a working relationship or a lack of respect. So, we are with you, from my teammate Jenni to all the women who suffer the same. I hope we keep working to improve society.”
Bonmatí’s speech was applauded by the audience, including some of the most influential figures in European football. Among them was Sarina Wiegman, the England women’s head coach who won the UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year award. Wiegman, who led England to the World Cup final where they lost to Spain 1-0, dedicated her honor to the Spanish team and praised their football and courage.
“We all know the issues around the Spanish team, and it hurts me as a coach, a mother of two daughters, a wife, and a human being,” Wiegman said. “The game has grown so much, but there’s still a long way to go in women’s football and society. I want to dedicate this award to the Spanish team. The team that played in the World Cup was such great football that everyone enjoyed. This team deserves to be celebrated and listened to, and I’m going to give them a big applause again, and I hope you will join me.”
Bonmatí, who won the Golden Ball award as the best player of the World Cup, thanked Wiegman for her words and said she was honored to receive the UEFA award for the second consecutive year. She also acknowledged her Barcelona teammates and coaches, who dominated the awards ceremony with four players in the top five women’s player category, and Jonatan Giraldez as one of the women’s coach award nominees.
“I’m very thankful for this award and for Sarina’s words. It means a lot to me and my team,” Bonmatí said. “I’m very proud of our achievements with Barcelona and Spain. We have worked hard to get here and enjoyed every moment. I want to share this award with all my teammates, coaches, and staff who have helped me. They are amazing people and amazing players.”
Bonmatí also congratulated Erling Haaland, who won the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award after scoring 52 goals in 53 games for Manchester City last season. Haaland, who beat Kevin De Bruyne and Lionel Messi to the prize, said he was delighted to win his first individual award at this level and thanked his teammates and Pep Guardiola, who won the UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year award.
“It’s a great honor to win this award. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Haaland said. “I want to thank my teammates and coach daily for making me a better player. They are incredible, and they deserve this recognition as well. We had an amazing season together and want to keep winning more trophies.”
The UEFA Awards ceremony occurred on 31 August 2023 in Monaco, ahead of the Champions League group stage draw. The awards were voted by a jury composed of coaches of clubs that participated in UEFA competitions last season and journalists selected by European Sports Media (ESM).
Originally posted 2023-08-31 23:20:18.
