Barcelona star and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí has left the door open to a potential move to the Women’s Super League (WSL) in the future, despite recently signing a four-year contract extension with her current club. Speaking to Sky Sports News at the EA FC25 launch in Madrid, the 26-year-old midfielder praised the rapid growth of women’s football in England, while expressing a desire to continue enjoying her career in Barcelona for the time being.
“I’ve been playing for Barcelona since I was 13 years old,” Bonmatí said. “It would be nice if I could end my career like this… but you never know. I’d never close the door.”
Bonmatí, who has been integral to Barcelona’s dominance in European football, winning three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles in four years, acknowledged the allure of the WSL. English clubs have invested significantly in women’s football since the Lionesses’ triumph at Euro 2022, making the league a benchmark for others.
“[The WSL] is a league that is so nice because England are investing a lot in women’s football since the Euros,” she remarked. “Of course, it’s a league we have to keep watching, to be like them in helping women’s football grow.”
The Spanish Football Landscape
Bonmatí’s comments come at a time of significant change in women’s football in Spain, which has experienced turbulence over the past year. The sport has faced challenges both on and off the pitch, including a strike by players over pay disparities, and the controversial actions of former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, who is set to stand trial for allegedly kissing Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent after their World Cup victory in 2023.
Players in Spain recently secured an agreement to increase their minimum wage in the domestic Liga F, raising it from £13,700 to £18,000, with a further increase to £20,200 by 2025. By contrast, players in the WSL can expect significantly higher earnings, with the average salary reported to be £47,000.
Bonmatí recognized these challenges, admitting that Spain has lagged behind England in supporting women’s football. “I cannot say the same about here in Spain,” she said, referencing England’s proactive investments in infrastructure, marketing, and matchday experiences, which regularly draw large crowds to Premier League stadiums.
Future Ambitions and National Team Goals
Looking ahead, Bonmatí remains committed to her future with Barcelona, where she aims to continue her success on the pitch. She also has her sights set on international glory with Spain, as they aim to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
She acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by England, the reigning European champions, but expressed confidence in Spain’s ability to compete: “England and Spain are two of the most important teams, but these tournaments are so difficult to win.” For now, Aitana Bonmatí remains one of Barcelona’s brightest stars, but her admiration for English football leaves open the intriguing possibility of a future WSL move—an exciting prospect for fans of the rapidly growing league.
