The Spanish football team’s success at the World Cup may have been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the country’s former federation president Luis Rubiales, but that hasn’t stopped the players from receiving the recognition they deserve.

At last night’s 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, which recognises the best footballers in the world, the team’s star midfielder Aitana Bonmatí took home the top award – and used her acceptance speech to send a powerful message to her fellow nominees.

Taking to the stage to accept her award, Bonmatí paid tribute to her teammates and staff before speaking directly to the wider audience. “Congratulations to the other nominees,” she said. “They’re great footballers.

“As role models, we have a responsibility on and off the pitch. We should be more than athletes and keep leading by example and fighting together for a better, peaceful and equal world.” 

Bonmatí’s speech comes on the same day it was announced that Rubiales had been handed a three-year ban from FIFA following his actions at the 2023 World Cup Final, where he grabbed the head of forward Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips.

Despite the events being captured on camera, Rubiales denies that the kiss was non-consensual, and said he would appeal FIFA’s latest decision in a statement released on X.

This isn’t the first time Bonmatí has used an acceptance speech to call for change in football. When she accepted the award for UEFA Women’s Player Of The Year at the end of August, she spoke out about the controversy surrounding the Spanish team’s World Cup win.  

“We just won the World Cup, but nobody is talking about that much because things have happened I wished hadn’t,” she said. “I would like to speak a bit about what has happened. I think as a society we shouldn’t allow abuses of power in a work relationship, as well as a lack of respect. So, from my teammate Jenni to all the women who suffer the same, we are with you. I hope we keep working to improve society.”

Four of England’s Lionesses were also nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, with two of the players – Rachel Daly and Mary Earps – making it into the top ten. 

Earps – who placed fifth – made history as the highest-ever placed female goalkeeper, while Daly came in 10th. Millie Bright and Georgia Stanway, who both played an important role at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, came in 11th and 23rd respectively. 

Images: Getty