By OkayGoal 
Aitana Bonmatí is one of the best soccer players out there. It’s a well-known fact that Aitana Bonmatí is more than talented and that she is writing history not just with FC Barcelona Femení but also with Spain. Her mentality is part of what’s pushed her to this point. There is, however, much more to Bonmatí that you should know.
1. Bonmatí played on a boys team.
Bonmatí’s talent was evident from a young age and during a time when not many girls played soccer. This caused the Spain international to play with boys instead while in school. She started at Club Deportiu Ribes, where she spent five years before moving to Club de Futbol Cubelles, where Bonmatí was still the only girl on the team.
2. Bonmatí’s career almost came to a stop.
For Aitana Bonmatí, playing with boys was both a blessing and a curse. It allowed her to play the game she loved dearly, but once she reached 14, she was no longer be allowed to play soccer on the team thanks to Catalonia’s rule about mixed-gender teams. Thankfully for Bonmatí and her fans, Barcelona swooped in and asked if she wanted to go to trials and the rest was history.
Aitana Bonmatí and Lionel Messi pose for a photo. [Credit: KCS Presse / MEGA]3. Bonmatí was named to a BBC list.
Bonmatí’s numbers, awards, and work off the pitch resulted in her being named to the BBC’s list of the world’s 100 most influential women for 2023. “Unafraid to use her voice on and off the field, Bonmatí speaks out for equality in football for women,” BBC reported.
When she received the UEFA Player of the Year Award, she supported her teammate, Jenni Hermoso, on the national team along with other women.
4. Bonmatí helps her community.
Along with being a talented player, Bonmatí also supports her community. She is one of the ambassadors for the Johan Cruyff Foundation, which promotes sports for kids. Bonmatí is also an ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Her charitable work is another aspect that sets her apart.
5. Bonmatí almost left Barcelona.
Bonmatí started playing the game at a time when there weren’t a lot of professional women’s teams in Spain. Back then, Barcelona Femení wasn’t a professional team, and they couldn’t even dream of playing at Camp Nou.
The lack of chances in Spain made Bonmatí consider going to the United States, which seemed a bit further along in women’s sports. Having the opportunity to study while also playing was very appealing to her and her parents. Luckily, Bonmatí didn’t leave Barcelona because they eventually became a professional league when she was 17 and playing for the second team.
Aitana Bonmatí on the field. [Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA]6. Bonmatí’s name defied laws.
When Bonmatí was born, Spain had a law that babies should have the father’s surname first and the mother’s surname second. However, her parents didn’t follow that rule because they always believed in equality, so they challenged this law. In the end, they managed to succeed, which is why Aitana Bonmatí’s first surname, Bonmatí, is from her mother while her second surname, Conca, is from her father.
According to BBC, Bonmatí’s mother, Rosa, helped change the laws around surnames by working with politician Imma Mayol and other legal experts. The proposal they presented was passed in 1999.
7. Bonmatí’s best year was 2023.
If one compared all the years Bonmatí played, 2023 would definitely stand out. It was a successful one for Bonmatí, not just with her club but with the national team as well. She won the Champions League with Barcelona after defeating VfL Wolfsburg. She also helped Spain win the Women’s World Cup with the national team. She scored three goals during the tournament and received the Golden Ball as the cup’s best player. She also won the Ballon d’Or Femenin and was named the Best FIFA Women’s Player.
8. Bonmatí played as a defender.
Before becoming a world-class midfielder, Bonmatí’s first coach, Oscar Gamez, used to play her as a defender. Her ability to steal the ball was proof of her talent. She later switched to the midfield, where she found more success.
Which of these facts surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments below.
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