Spain star Aitana Bonmati named best player at Women’s World Cup

Spain’s midfielder #06 Aitana Bonmati holds the trophy for the FIFA Golden Ball Award on the podium after the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup final football match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. (Photo by Izhar KHAN / AFP)

Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati on Sunday won the Golden Ball for the best player at this year’s Women’s World Cup after her side beat England 1-0 in the final.

The versatile 25-year-old Barcelona star had a phenomenal tournament, playing in every game and was a cornerstone of Jorge Vilda’s side.

“I don’t have the words. I am so proud, we had a great tournament,” Bonmati told the BBC.

Team Spain celebrates after winning the Women’s World Cup soccer final against England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa took out the Golden Boot for the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.

England’s hugely impressive goalkeeper Mary Earps, who saved a penalty in Sunday’s final, won the Golden Glove while the best young player award went to teenage Spanish striker Salma Paralluelo.

Spain’s victory over England saw them claim the World Cup for the first time.