‘It has been a year with an exceptionally high level’published at 22:22 BST
22:22 BST
Ballon d’Or
Aitana Bonmati speaking on stage after clinching her third consecutive Ballon d’Or: “My third time in a row here, and I still can’t believe it. Incredible. Thank you to France Football for this, for the third time, it really could have gone to anyone. If it was possible to share it, I would, because I think it has been a year with an exceptionally high level, above all among my teammates, who had a great year.
“Also to receive it from the hands of Andres Iniesta, one of my idols since I was little, alongside Xavi. I learned my football from them, to this day I thank them for all that they have taught me. Thank you to them for everything that they have done in football.
“Also thank you to the organisation, for improving things year on year. This year we have the same awards as the men, which I welcome, that is what we have worked towards for a long time.
“To my club Barcelona, the president, the board, the staff and my teammates. For awards like this, we don’t achieve them along. It’s thanks to the collective work of the team. I owe Barcelona everything, this is the club of my life. I hope to represent this badge for many more years.”