Before the Nations League final between Spain and France on Wednesday evening, Aitana Bonmati deplores that La Roja’s victory at the last World Cup had little effect on the development of women’s football in his country.
It is the reigning world champions that France will challenge on Wednesday, in Seville, in the final of the Nations League. Last summer, Spain won its very first world title by winning the final against England (1-0). A great memory for Aitana Bonmati.
“It was a great success. It was a competition that had a lot of repercussions. I believe that thanks to this victory we are much better known. We must be grateful to the people who support us. It’s very positive to be able to be more recognized in the street, it’s a signal that we have transcended society,” the FC Barcelona player rejoices in L’Equipe.
“I feel like the World Cup was for nothing”
On the other hand, the 2023 Ballon d’Or regrets that this world title for La Roja did not have major consequences on the development of women’s football in Spain. “Unfortunately, I can’t say that much has changed. We have the example of the English, when they won the Euro (in 2022). We have seen a big change following this success at the country level. There have been repercussions, investments in the Championship, the stadiums are full when England play. This makes me want it because I can’t say it’s the same thing here. There’s so much left to do here and I feel like the World Cup was for nothing.”deplores Bonmati, emphasizing the lack of improvement regarding the organization and promotion of matches for La Roja and clubs in the Spanish championship.
Spain can, however, win its second title in two years, and could be favorites against Les Bleues. But Bonmati approaches this meeting with humility. “It’s 50-50, she believes. France is a team that I respect a lot because I have faced French teams like Lyon or PSG many times and I think they have great players capable of creating a lot of danger. Physically, it is a very strong team. So, for me, the final will be close and there is no favorite. »
