The Barcelona footballer could not overlook the controversy surrounding Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso as she accepted the award.
Aitana Bonmatí was crowned UEFA’s best player of the year on Thursday, announced at the gala following the group-stage draw for the 2023/24 Champions League. The Barcelona midfielder has already claimed the best player award in UEFA Women’s Champions League history and shone at theWomen’s World Cup, earning top honours in both competitions.
At the club level, she collected the Spanish League title, the Spanish Super Cup, the Champions League, and the Women’s World Cup, underscoring her impact across multiple stages. This marks the third consecutive year that a Spanish player from Barça receives this accolade.
Message to Rubiales
After receiving the UEFA prize in Monaco, the Spain international addressed Luis Rubiales, the suspended president of the RFEF, in light of the controversy surrounding the kiss incident with Jenni Hermoso at the La Roja awards ceremony following the World Cup. Bonmatí stated that certain events demand attention beyond the moment and that power should be exercised with responsibility and respect within any employment relationship.
“Things have happened that I would not like to let go of. As a society, we should not allow abuse of power in an employment relationship, or any other disrespect,” Bonmatí remarked after her recognition as UEFA Player of the Year. This sentiment was echoed in social media commentary and among fans and pundits who emphasized accountability and sportsmanship. (Goal Spain)
— GOAL Spain (GoalEspana) August 31, 2023
Source: Goal