Spanish midfield maestro Aitana Bonmatí has etched her name into the football history books, securing an unprecedented third consecutive year as the number one player in the Guardian's annual ranking of the 100 best female footballers in the world.
A Historic Hat-Trick at the Summit
In a remarkable demonstration of sustained excellence, the 27-year-old Barcelona star has achieved what no other player has managed in the near-decade of the list's existence: a hat-trick of top finishes. While her margin of victory narrowed in 2025, her status as the preeminent talent in the women's game remains unchallenged.
Bonmatí finished 453 points clear of her compatriot and clubmate Mariona Caldentey, who secured second place. This follows her 568-point lead over Caroline Graham Hansen the previous year. The Catalan playmaker received 43% of the first-place votes from a record panel of 143 judges, solidifying her position at the pinnacle.
A Shifting Landscape and New Challengers
The 2025 list reflects the rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of women's football globally. While Bonmatí reigns supreme, the top ten witnessed significant upheaval, with seven new faces breaking into the elite group.
Arsenal and England striker Alessia Russo rocketed into the top three, while Euro 2025-winning goalkeeper Hannah Hampton of Chelsea made a stunning debut directly into the top five. Barcelona's young talent Clàudia Pina was the list's biggest climber, soaring an incredible 65 places.
England, fresh from their Euro 2025 triumph in Switzerland, now leads as the most-represented nation with 14 players in the top 100, just pipping Spain's 13. The Women's Super League (WSL) further asserted its dominance, housing 39 ranked players—a significant increase of 12 from 2024.
Global Growth and Future Stars
This year's ranking underscores the sport's explosive worldwide development. Nearly a quarter of the listed players are brand new entries, and the list welcomed its first ever representatives from Morocco, via Ghizlane Chebbak, and Canada's new Northern Super League, through Nigerian striker Esther Okoronkwo.
The blend of established icons and emerging talent is striking. At 39, Brazil's Marta remains the oldest representative, crucial to her nation's Copa América success. At the other end of the spectrum, 18-year-old OL Lyonnes starlet Lily Yohannes is the youngest, one of three teenagers to feature.
However, the year ends on a sombre note for Bonmatí and her fans. The midfielder suffered a broken leg in training ahead of the Nations League final, an injury that will sideline her for over four months into 2026. Her absence will be profoundly felt by both Barcelona and the Spanish national team as they navigate the upcoming season without their talismanic leader.
Yet, as the Guardian's Top 100 for 5 conclusively shows, Aitana Bonmatí's legacy is secure. Through sublime skill, big-match temperament, and unwavering consistency, she has defined an era and stands alone as the first and only three-time champion of this prestigious ranking.
