On Monday 28 October, Paris will host the 2023 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony, an award that recognizes the best female footballer of the year. Women's Barça's team has several nominees, a reflection of the team's high level.
Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, Salma Paralluelo, Patri Guijarro, Mariona Caldentey, Caroline Graham Hansen and Ewa Pajor are the Barça players nominated for the prestigious award. Among all of them, the two favorites to win it are Aitana Bonmatí and Caroline Graham Hansen, who are emerging as the main candidates.
Aitana Bonmatí, in search of her second Ballon d'Or
Aitana Bonmatí is looking to win her second consecutive Ballon d'Or, which would allow her to equal Alexia Putellas' achievement. The player from Sant Pere de Ribes has been key to the success of Women's Barça's team, contributing talent, character and determination.
Her ability to connect lines and assist has been key for the team. Last season, her efforts were rewarded with four titles: Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de España and UEFA Champions League.
Aitana not only leads on the field, she is also a player who stands out in key moments. Her ability to understand the game and her energy give confidence to her teammates. Winning the Ballon d'Or would reward her role in the team and her help to put Women's Barça's among the best in the world.
Caroline Graham Hansen, talent and perseverance
Caroline Graham Hansen has proven to be one of the best transfers for Women's Barça. The Norwegian, who joined the team in 2019, brings an innate talent that stands out. This is the first time she has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or, thanks to a season with 21 goals and 19 assists, being the top scorer and assister in the F League.
Hansen doesn't seek out the limelight and is, in fact, a player who sometimes goes unnoticed. However, her impact is evident every time she steps onto the field. Her ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and her precision in assisting or scoring have raised the level of Women's Barça's soccer.
The Norwegian has a unique style of play that impresses both her rivals and fans. Winning the Ballon d'Or would be a recognition of her excellent performance and her importance in the team.
Alexia Putellas, a captain who supports her teammates
Alexia Putellas, the only player to have won the Ballon d'Or twice, is also nominated this year. The Barça captain knows that she will not receive the award this year due to a serious injury that left her out of action for much of the season. Even so, Alexia remains a key player in the team and has expressed her support for Aitana and Hansen, her teammates.
Alexia Putellas believes that both deserve the award and doesn't have a preference for either. For Alexia, both Aitana and Hansen represent the effort and quality that characterise Women's Barça. Either of them would be a worthy winner of the Ballon d'Or.