Aitana Bonmatí has once again confirmed her status as the preeminent talent in women’s football. The Spanish international was voted the number one female player in the world for 2025. This selection marks the third consecutive year she has topped the esteemed annual ranking. A large global panel of 127 specialists determined the final results. The voting body included top coaches, experienced players, and international journalists.
The Barcelona midfield maestro enjoyed an undeniably dominant year. She collected numerous individual and team honours. Bonmatí successfully claimed her third straight Ballon d’Or award. She also spearheaded Spain’s success at the Euro 2025 tournament. There, she earned the Player of the Tournament accolade. Furthermore, her consistent, brilliant performances for Barcelona led to her naming as the UEFA Women’s Champions League Player of the Season. These achievements collectively underscore her current peak form.
While Bonmatí secured the top spot, the competition proved formidable. Her compatriot and club teammate Mariona Caldentey finished second in the voting. Caldentey also mirrored Bonmatí’s success by placing second in the Ballon d’Or race.
The most notable shift in the upper echelon involves England’s Alessia Russo. The Arsenal forward made a huge jump, soaring 39 places to land at number three. Russo’s exceptional year at both club and international levels powered this ascent. Her rise saw her surpass the two-time former list winner Alexia Putellas, who still finished a highly respectable fourth. Putellas’s strong return from injury featured 16 goals and 11 assists in the league for Barcelona, proving her enduring quality.
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The list highlighted the increasing strength of English football. Hannah Hampton, Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper, made a stunning debut appearance in the top five. Her move from 123rd place to fifth represents one of the most significant climbs ever recorded. Hampton’s exceptional playmaking and penalty shootout heroics at the Euros solidified her elite position. Lionesses captain Leah Williamson also made a dramatic return, jumping back into the top ten following her recovery from a long-term injury. Williamson’s leadership culminated in lifting both the Champions League and European Championship trophies.
Further recognition went to Barcelona’s core. Claudia Pina saw the largest overall ranking improvement. She jumped 65 places into the top ten, showcasing her electrifying goal-scoring ability and impact on the Spanish national team. The inclusion of new talent and significant movement throughout the list confirms the sport’s evolving global landscape. The rankings heavily weighted success in major club and international tournaments throughout the year.
