The total points breakdown for the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or is now available, revealing the impressive margin by which Aitana Bonmati claimed the title.
The 26-year-old Spain international won the award for the first time in 2023 following her triumph at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and was named the recipient for the second consecutive year after Barcelona completed a historic quadruple last season. The only other player to claim the award more than once is compatriot Alexia Putellas, who won the Ballon d’Or the years 2021 and 2022.
Among the nominees for the 2024 award were Bonmati’s Barça teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo, along with a host of USWNT stars such as Sophia Smith, Lindsey Horan and Mallory Swanson after winning Olympic gold during the summer
From one England perspective, ChelseaLauren James was the highest of all the Lionesses nominated. Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp were also under consideration after strong seasons with their respective clubs.
French publication the team has now released a detailed breakdown of the points received by each player in this year’s awards. Bonmati won 675 points, a staggering 283 points clear of Hansen in second place.
For the 2023/24 season, the Women’s Ballon d’Or was awarded by an international jury of specialist journalists with one representative from each of the top 50 FIFA ranked countries.
Each jury member ranked ten players in descending order of merit, awarding each 15, 12, 10, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 points.
The judges made their decision based on the following criteria: individual performances, decisive and impressive character, collective performances and track record, as well as class and fair play. The Golden Ball was then awarded to the player with the most points.
