Player of the Tournament: Aitana Bonmatí’s Influence Endures Despite Final Loss
Aitana Bonmatí couldn’t even bring herself to smile as she was awarded the 2025 Women’s Euro Player of the Tournament.
Just moments earlier, the two-time Ballon d’Or recipient saw her penalty palmed away by England’s Hannah Hampton, as the Lionesses exerted their revenge on Spain.
Bonmatí was a key part of the side that bested England in the World Cup final back in 2023.
However, she couldn’t prevent Sarina Wiegman’s side from defending their European crown — despite Spain arguably being the better side on the night.
Bonmatí was one of three who failed to convert from the spot in what was a tense penalty shootout. Hampton also saved Mariona Caldentey’s effort, while Salma Paralluelo dragged wide.
That set up Chloe Kelly to provide the tournament-winning moment, just as she did at Wembley in 2022.
“I’m in shock,” Aitana Bonmatí told RTVE. “We gave everything. I must apologise for my missing my penalty and congratulate England.”
Aitana Bonmatí’s Rollercoaster Tournament
To say Aitana Bonmatí experienced a rollercoaster journey at the 2025 Women’s Euros would be putting it lightly.
The Barcelona midfielder started Spain’s first two games on the bench after recovering from viral meningitis in the build-up to the tournament.
But as the competition reached the knockout phase, the 27-year-old came to life.
She was awarded the Player of the Match prize in both the quarter- and semi-finals, scoring the extra-time winner against Germany to see Spain through.
Bonmatí was very much the driving force in Spain’s engine room, playing the full 120 minutes as they hogged possession against England.
Despite their dominance, Bonmatí and co couldn’t get past an inspired Hannah Hampton in the England net after Caldentey’s early header.
Alessia Russo levelled the scoring with a fine header of her own in the 57th minute, which proved enough to take the game to penalties.
“We were the better side, although that’s not everything — you have to put it in the net,” she added.
Spain registered 22 shots to England’s 8 on the night, though the sides were equal on shots on target.
“For me, England are a team capable of not playing well and still winning,” Bonmatí continued. “There are teams that don’t need much to win.
“I’m devastated, we worked so hard for this. The same thing happened to us in the Champions League with my club Barça.
“From the 70th minute onwards, we were in control of the game. We were the better team. England weren’t getting (forward), but no one is to blame: we win and lose together.
“Right now, with this frustration, with this pain… It feels so cruel. It seems as if everything is bad, but I think we’re the ones who have done the best (in the tournament), who have played the best, and who have the most talent.”
England’s Michelle Agyemang was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament. The rising star twice stepped off the bench to score crucial goals in the Lionesses’ road to the final.
SEE ALSO: How Hannah Hampton Defied Doctors to Become England’s Euros Hero
