In a candid interview, Barcelona midfielder and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí expressed her dissatisfaction with the treatment of female footballers in Spain’s Liga F. The 26-year-old praised the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States and the Women’s Super League (WSL) in England for their superior marketing and player treatment, highlighting the stark contrast with her home country.
Bonmatí: NWSL and WSL Leading the Way
Despite recently signing a record-breaking contract with Barcelona, making her the highest-paid female footballer in the world, Bonmatí acknowledges that the Liga F lags behind its American and English counterparts in several key aspects.
“The league in USA, they are doing the things good in terms of marketing and communication and they want to be the top one as well as [WSL] also in England. So I think these both leagues are one of the best in terms of treatment, how they treat the women’s football, how we deserve.”
– Aitana Bonmatí
The NWSL has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with record-breaking attendances and increased media coverage. Similarly, the WSL has benefited from substantial investment and a growing fanbase, with matches regularly broadcast on mainstream television channels.
Frustration with Liga F’s Lack of Promotion
Bonmatí, who has been instrumental in Barcelona’s recent successes, including three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, expressed her frustration with the Spanish federation’s apparent lack of effort in promoting the Liga F.
“I’m not happy how they treat us because I think they have a product … the footballers, a good product because we are winners of the Champions League three times and also World Cup winners and Nations League winners. So you have the product to explode that in terms of marketing and commercial to make money because it is important to make money to develop.”
– Aitana Bonmatí
The midfielder emphasized the importance of investing in marketing and commercialization to generate revenue and facilitate the growth of women’s football in Spain. She questioned whether the league’s officials genuinely want to develop the sport or if they simply do not care.
Closing the Gap: USWNT No Longer Untouchable
While the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) has historically dominated the international stage, Bonmatí believes that the gap between the USWNT and other nations has significantly narrowed in recent years.
“I think in the last tournaments, USA was the only favourite of the tournament and I don’t see this right now. I see them as a very good team. They are capable to win every single tournament also. But there are other teams that are capable too.”
– Aitana Bonmatí
The USWNT’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Olympic Games, where they failed to secure a medal, coupled with the rise of European nations like Spain, England, and the Netherlands, has led to a more competitive and unpredictable international landscape in women’s soccer.
The Future of Women’s Football in Spain
As one of the most prominent figures in Spanish women’s football, Bonmatí’s comments carry significant weight. Her criticism of the Liga F’s treatment of players and lack of promotion should serve as a wake-up call for the Spanish federation to invest more resources in the development and growth of the women’s game.
With the talent and success of players like Bonmatí and her Barcelona teammates, the potential for women’s football in Spain is immense. However, without adequate support and promotion from the league and federation, that potential may remain unrealized.
As the NWSL and WSL continue to set the standard for player treatment and league promotion, it is imperative that the Liga F takes notice and implements similar strategies to elevate the status of women’s football in Spain. Only then can the country’s talented players receive the recognition and support they deserve, both on and off the pitch.
