Ballon d’Or winner believes Barcelona star deserved more recognition – “We must talk more” | OneFootball

Aitana Bonmati made history by becoming the first woman to win the Ballon d’Or three consecutive times as she beat Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo.

Speaking to the press after the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris, Bonmati offered her thoughts on the Men’s Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele as well as Barcelona stars Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

However, what stood out was Bonmati’s statement on Pedri, as she stated that the Barcelona midfielder deserved more attention in the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Bonmati on Raphina, Yamal and Pedri after Ballon d’Or

“The Ballon d’Or went to Dembélé, and he is a wonderful player,” Bonmati told Diario SPORT after the ceremony.

“There were Raphinha and Lamine, and they are wonderful players too,” she added, before going on to highlight the lack of praise surrounding Pedri.

PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 22: (4th-R) Alexia Putellas, Joan Laporta, guest, Caroline Graham Hansen, Aitana Bonmatí and guests attend the 69th Ballon D’Or Photocall at Theatre Du Chatelet on September 22, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

“But we must talk more about Pedri,” she said, clearly implying that she was not happy with the lack of recognition Pedri received on the night.

As a matter of fact, Pedri finished 11th in the final Ballon d’Or ranking, lower than the likes of Cole Palmer, who had only secured the FIFA Club World Cup during the summer.

Pedri also finished behind Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, despite the fact that he was one of Barcelona’s important players last season.

Perhaps more importantly, Pedri was an ever-present figure in Barcelona’s engine room, overcoming all his injury problems of the past.

Nevertheless, Pedri will look to move on and finish in a higher position next year, having already established himself as one of the untouchables under Hansi Flick this season.