In a remarkable show of cross-club solidarity, Paris Saint-Germain's French international Ousmane Dembélé has thrown his weight behind Barcelona Femení superstar Aitana Bonmatí to claim the prestigious women's Ballon d'Or award this year.
The unexpected endorsement came during a recent interview, where Dembélé, who left Barcelona for PSG this summer, didn't hesitate when asked for his prediction. "For the women's Ballon d'Or, I think it will be Aitana Bonmatí," the winger stated confidently.
A Season of Unparalleled Success
Bonmatí's credentials for the award are undeniably strong. The 25-year-old Spanish midfielder enjoyed a truly historic 2022-23 season, playing a pivotal role in both Barcelona's dominant campaign and Spain's unforgettable World Cup triumph in Australia and New Zealand.
Her trophy cabinet overflowed with the most significant honours in the women's game:
- UEFA Women's Champions League: A key architect in Barcelona's triumphant campaign.
- Liga F: Instrumental in securing the domestic league title for Barcelona.
- FIFA Women's World Cup: Crowned a phenomenal year by winning the tournament with Spain and being named the best player of the competition.
From Teammates to Admirers
While Dembélé and Bonmatí were teammates at Barcelona, they played for the separate men's and women's teams. Dembélé's public backing underscores the respect she commands across the entire football world, transcending the traditional boundaries between the men's and women's games.
This endorsement adds significant momentum to Bonmatí's candidacy, positioning her as the clear frontrunner ahead of other contenders like Sam Kerr of Australia and England's rising stars. The football world now waits to see if Dembélé's prediction proves accurate when the Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place in Paris this October.
