Aitana Bonmatí Embraces the 2023-2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League Season
Aitana Bonmatí, FC Barcelona’s star midfielder, embraces the upcoming 2023-2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League season, expressing her anticipation for a heightened level of competition. This optimism follows her recent triumph at the Ballon d’Or ceremony where she secured the prestigious award for an impressive third time.
Changes to the Tournament Format
The tournament, which is set to kick off next month, is undergoing transformation, expanding from 16 to 18 participating teams. The format will now resemble that of the men’s Champions League, introducing the Swiss model where traditional group stages are replaced by a league phase. Each team will have the opportunity to compete in six distinct matches, with Barcelona, last year’s runners-up, beginning their campaign on October 7 against the reigning German champions, Bayern Munich.
Bonmatí’s Insights on the Upcoming Season
At the elegant Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, Bonmatí shared her thoughts about the changes, stating,
“I believe this will be an exciting season because the Champions League is evolving. It’s one of the best steps they could take, enhancing competitiveness and benefiting everyone involved.”
Barcelona’s Legacy and Bonmatí’s Achievements
As a three-time winner of the Champions League, Barça is once again considered a favorite in the tournament. The club’s rich history includes three titles, with their previous consecutive wins interrupted only by Arsenal’s victory early this year.
Bonmatí’s personal accolades have been bolstered by Barcelona’s success. After leading her team to a domestic treble last season and reaching the Champions League final, along with representing Spain in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, she emerged victorious over Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey for the Ballon d’Or in a ceremony held in Paris. Her achievement places her alongside football luminaries Michel Platini and Lionel Messi as one of the few to win the award three consecutive times.
Reflections on Success and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on her victories, she remarked,
“Each award is significant. They all carry unique stories and this year felt particularly competitive. I approached the event with modest expectations, even foregoing a speech to avoid unnecessary pressure. The anticipation was heightened, as I genuinely didn’t know I would win until my name was announced.”
Looking back at her childhood, Bonmatí reminisced,
“I played football purely for the love of the game, never imagining a career or achieving three Ballon d’Or titles by 2025—it seemed like a distant dream.”
Despite Messi’s record tally of eight awards, she gracefully dismisses comparisons, asserting,
“I aim to carve my own path. I don’t fixate on matching anyone else’s milestones. My focus is on continuous improvement and dedication to the sport. There’s no final goal except to push forward every day.”
Broadcasting the Excitement
Football fans won’t want to miss any of this year’s thrilling matches, as Disney+ is set to be the exclusive broadcaster for all 75 fixtures live this season. Visit their website to gain access to the action.
