Aitana Bonmati: The pride of La Masia
Where other clubs may look to buy the best in the world, in Catalonia it is all about developing them in house.
La Masia is one of, if not the, most renowned academies in world football. Midfield duo Xavi and Andres Iniesta its custodians, it is known for making superstars.
Bonmatí fits the bill in every sense, joining in her early teens and idolising the former two as she evolved through the youth set-up.
“She reminds me of me, because we understand football the same way,” Xavi told the Guardian of the three-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Football is about using your brain. If you put talent up against physicality, talent will always win, because that’s the essence of football.”
It isn’t just former players who marvel at her abilities, but managers too.
Pep Guardiola – who both played and coached the club – is in awe of her style.
“Bonmatí is a football player who has me completely in love with her for the way she plays,” he remarked to UEFA in 2023.
“She is like the women’s Iniesta playing for Barcelona.”
To become the face of the academy means bearing the responsibility of playing the Barcelona way, something the Catalonia native revels in.
“It’s both a source of pride and a responsibility,” she explained to Mundo Deportivo.
“We’re not only judged by our results but also by how we play. Most teams would be satisfied just winning, but we’re expected—and we expect ourselves-to win and play well.
“That’s a big responsibility.”