Aitana Bonmati has become one of the defining names in modern soccer, a symbol of FC Barcelona’s dominance and Spain’s golden generation. Her journey from local fields to global acclaim is only beginning to unfold.
Known for her intelligence on the pitch and an unmistakable style of play, she embodies the evolution of the modern midfielder. Yet her story extends beyond trophies and accolades.
Between her roots in Catalonia, her connection to an iconic jersey number, and her growing influence on and off the pitch, her profile offers more than statistics — it tells the story of a player shaping an era.
How old is Aitana Bonmati?
Aitana Bonmati was born on January 18, 1998, in Sant Pere de Ribes, Catalonia—a childhood rooted in local pitches and mixed-gender youth teams. Her early ambition eventually led her to Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
Now 27, she stands as one of the most decorated players in women’s soccer—a second Ballon d’Or winner who has matured into a global midfield maestro for both club and country.
Aitana Bonmati of Spain is awarded the FIFA Golden Ball Award at the award ceremony following the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match in 2023. (Source: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
At this stage in her career, she balances elite performance with leadership responsibilities: a seasoned head in the midfield, guiding the next generation while still approaching her peak years.
How tall is Aitana Bonmati?
At 1.62 meters (about 5 ft 4 in), Aitana Bonmati may not tower over opponents, but her presence is anything but small. Her low centre of gravity and agility make her one of the most technically refined midfielders on the planet.
Her height has never limited her—if anything, it’s enhanced her finesse. She navigates tight spaces with elegance, uses her balance to shield the ball, and delivers incisive passes that dictate tempo in the midfield.
What is Aitana Bonmati’s jersey number in Barcelona?
Aitana Bonmati wears the iconic number 14, not by chance but by design. It’s a deliberate tribute to Johan Cruyff—a symbol carried over from her time with the Catalan team and embraced at Barça to reflect the club’s soccer philosophy.
The choice of 14 became more than symbolic in September 2024: her contract renewal was officially announced at 14:14 (2:14 PM), a public nod to the number that has become part of her identity.
Aitana Bonmati of Spain celebrates scoring her team’s first goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Semi-Final match between Germany and Spain at Stadion Letzigrund on July 23, 2025. (Source: Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
More than just a squad number, it’s woven into her persona. Her autobiography is even structured in 14 chapters, reinforcing that the number reflects her values—legacy, creativity, and continuity.
Aitana Bonmati’s career highlights
- La Masia beginnings and early promise: Joined Barcelona’s youth ranks in 2013, progressed quickly through B team before debuting for the senior squad in 2015–16. That marked the start of her ascent from academy talent to first-team regular.
- First Copa de la Reina success: In 2017, she scored in the final as Barça lifted the Copa de la Reina again, confirming she could step up on big occasions even as a young squad member.
- Breakout year and Champions League debut: The 2018–19 season saw her establish herself as a starter, scoring consistently and leading Barça to their first-ever Women’s Champions League final.
- First European crown and MVP of final: In May 2021, she netted a goal and earned MVP honours in Barcelona’s first Women’s Champions League win over Chelsea (4‑0), setting the stage for club dominance.
- Golden individual season: In 2022–23, with Putellas sidelined, Bonmatí assumed the creative reins—scoring 5 goals and providing 8 assists in Champions League action, guiding Barça to another continental crown and being named UEFA Player of the Season.
- Back-to-back European Player of the Season: In 2023–24 she continued her dominance with six goals and six assists in the Champions League. She scored first in the final and was again named Player of the Season and final MVP.
- Global recognition and team trophies: Her influence extended as she powered Spain to their first Women’s World Cup in 2023 (Golden Ball winner), won the inaugural UEFA Nations League with Spain, and claimed both Ballon d’Or Féminin and The Best FIFA Women’s Player awards.
- 2024–25 campaign superlatives: Despite Barça losing in the Champions League final to Arsenal, Bonmatí still earned Player of the Season honours for the third consecutive year, with five assists and four goals in Europe, cementing her place in the Team of the Season.
- Recent Euro 2025 heroics: She struck a dramatic extra-time winner to send Spain to their first-ever Women’s European Championship final, showcasing tactical intelligence and finishing precision under pressure.
