Aitana: ‘I Feel the World Cup Was in Vain

Aitana Bonmatí, the recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner, expresses regret despite Spain’s triumph as world champions, stating that certain aspects are “not at the level we deserve.” Ahead of their UEFA Nations League final against France on Friday, she shares the team’s sentiments of being constantly questioned despite recent successes.

After securing a direct ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics by defeating the Netherlands 3-0 in the semifinals, the Spanish women’s national team aims to add another title to their accolades.

“We won a World Cup, and now we have another significant tournament to win. We feel constantly questioned. Football is like that. It’s an honor to say we are playing another final. It may seem easy, but it’s not at all,” explains Aitana Bonmatí in an interview with ‘L’Équipe.’

Related News However, not everything is as golden as it seems, as the FC Barcelona player is critical of the management of women’s football success in Spain. “Unfortunately, I can’t say much has changed. We have the example of the English, who won the Euro 2022. There has been a significant change after this success at the country level. It had an impact, investments in the league, stadiums fill up when England plays… I can’t say it’s the same here. There is much to be done, and I feel the World Cup was in vain,” she laments.

Asked about the changes she would like to see, Aitana responds, “It all starts with doing things right, promoting matches effectively, organizing them in suitable venues, not changing stadiums a week before the game, as it complicates things for the fans. Promoting the league as well… In the country, in general, it’s not at the level we deserve. We saw it during the Final Four. We were supposed to play in Cádiz, and in the end, we changed the venue and played in La Cartuja. That wouldn’t happen in men’s football. We have to pay attention to these details. When we do things right, people respond.”

Regarding the non-consensual kiss from former RFEF president Luis Rubiales to player Jenni Hermoso, Aitana explains that “the positive we can take from what happened is that everyone in football united to fight against these kinds of things. We came together to prevent such problems, which occur in many professions, from happening again,” adding that “there are so many things to do that it’s impossible to talk only about football. It’s part of the journey and our career. And if we leave a better legacy for those who come after, then we have done something good.”

Aitana acknowledges that Spain is not the favorite in the upcoming final against France, stating, “It’s a 50-50. France is a team I respect a lot because I’ve faced French teams many times, like Lyon or PSG, and I believe they have great players capable of creating a lot of danger. Physically, they are a very strong team. For me, the final will be tight, and there is no clear favorite.”

In conclusion, Aitana sends a message of positivity: “We are fighting for the next generation to have a better future. Today’s girls will have many more opportunities because we have broken down many barriers and opened many doors.”