Aitana Bonmatí is, without a doubt, one of the best footballers in the world. Her talent has taken her to the top of soccer, becoming a reference both on and off the field. She shines not only for her skill with the ball but also for her personality and commitment to her values.
Beyond soccer, Aitana Bonmatí is a person with a strong identity. As a Catalan, she has always defended her mother tongue and used it in speeches, interviews, and her daily life. But this hasn't been without criticism.
Catalan at the Center of Controversy
In a recent interview on 3Cat, Aitana made it clear that the language has been a point of controversy in her career. "I've received more criticism for speaking in Catalan than for playing soccer."
Her words reflect a reality she has had to live and continues to live. Despite her impeccable sports career, she has been harshly attacked on social media for expressing herself in Catalan at public events.
An Unnecessary Debate
Aitana Bonmatí has been questioned several times for giving speeches in Catalan. While for her it is something natural, for others it has become a point of controversy. Some interpret it as a political statement, when in reality it is simply her way of communicating and expressing herself.
She explains it clearly: "Catalan doesn't harm anyone, there is a lot of rejection due to this hatred that has been instilled."
For Aitana, speaking in Catalan shouldn't be a problem. But in a context where linguistic diversity continues to generate controversy, her stance has been harshly criticized.
A Diverse Locker Room
Within Women's Barça, living with different languages is a reality. Not all her teammates speak Catalan, but some are interested in learning it. An example is Kika Nazareth, the team's new signing, who has started taking classes at La Masia.
For Aitana, this is a sign of respect. However, she also insists that no one should feel uncomfortable because she speaks in her mother tongue.
It's surprising that a player of her level receives more attacks for her language than for her performance on the field. While Aitana continues to prove she is one of the best footballers on the planet, there are those who focus their attention on how she expresses herself and not on what she achieves.