Sat Nov 16 20:15:08 UTC 2024: ## Ballon d’Or Winner Bonmatí Highlights Gap Between Spanish and US/UK Women’s Soccer Leagues

**Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmatí, fresh off winning her second consecutive Ballon d’Or, has criticized the state of women’s football in Spain, highlighting a significant disparity compared to leagues in the US and UK.**

In an interview with ESPN, Bonmatí lauded the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) and WSL (Women’s Super League) for their superior marketing, infrastructure, and overall competitiveness. She stated that these leagues understand the commercial aspects of the sport, investing in promotion and fan engagement to create a thriving ecosystem that attracts players, sponsors, and spectators. This contrasts sharply with Spain’s Liga F, where Bonmatí feels the league isn’t capitalizing on the national team’s recent World Cup and Nations League victories.

“The truth is that I am not happy with how they treat us,” Bonmatí said, referencing the lack of investment and competitiveness in Liga F. “We’re speaking loudly and clearly, saying what we need, but at least we do our job on the field. Who has to do their job off it? We’re not in charge.” She emphasized the need for leadership to step up and invest in the league’s growth. “They also have to want to, because if you want, you will. If you don’t care, [you won’t],” she concluded.

Bonmatí’s comments underscore a broader issue within women’s football: the need for proactive leadership to match on-field success with off-field development. While the global landscape of women’s soccer is becoming increasingly competitive, with the gap between the USWNT and other national teams narrowing, Spain’s Liga F risks falling behind unless significant investment and structural changes are implemented. The NWSL’s success, Bonmatí suggests, serves as a model for how to foster a sustainable and thriving women’s football league.

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