From hospital bed to hero status – Bonmati ‘could write a book’

After Spain defeated Germany in extra-time to advance to the Euro 2025 final, Aitana Bonmati said, “I could write a book about that.”

The midfielder had just been asked how it felt to have reached the semi-finals and have almost missed the tournament due to illness.

Bonmati, who had a viral meningitis episode, was discharged from the hospital a day before the Euros began.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner, who had come off the bench in Spain’s first two games, was forced to wait for her chance in Switzerland while recovering quickly.

The 27-year-old now appears to be back to her best as she skillfully cross Athenea del Castillo’s pass before rifling past Ann-Katrin Berger at the near post.

Spain had dominated possession, but Christian Wuck’s side’s deep digging and forceful extra time made it difficult for them to break through a steadfast defense in Zurich.

However, Bonmati stepped up when it was necessary, sending Spain to their first Women’s Euro final, which appeared to be headed for a penalty shootout.

At the start of the tournament, Bonmati had a difficult personality, but she has a unique personality to play at the highest level, according to Spain’s coach Montse Tome.

Before receiving Del Castillo’s pass on the half-turn, Bonmati had deftly soared into space between Germany’s Rebecca Knaak and Franziska Kett.

She buried the ball in at the near post despite the tight angle.

“Spain needed top-notch players in the moment,” the statement read. Former Scotland defender Jen Beattie stated on BBC Radio 5 Live that Bonmati is a recipient of the Ballon d’Or award because of this.

Steph Houghton, a former England defender, said: “I honestly believed from the perspective of Spain that she was undoubtedly their best player and that she had helped them reach their first-ever European Championship final.”

The La Roja’s bench immediately welcomed the winner as the goal plunged the Spanish fans into a pandemonium at Stadion Letzigrund.

“I started running and saw the bench standing as I celebrated with them,” Bonmati said.

“This game is incredibly special,” said the player. It’s very special if I can assist in writing history for the team.

Spain had to beat Germany in the final of Sunday’s match in order to prepare for an encounter with England.

They had lost the previous four games without scoring and had failed on eight of their previous attempts.

We once again wrote history, I believe today. For the first time in a while, Bonmati said, “We had never before been able to defeat Germany in the women’s Euros.”

We are proud to have won so many awards as a generation.

Spain are currently preparing to clinch their 2023 World Cup crown as a European champion.

They were declared favorites for the tournament, with statistics experts Opta giving them a 25% chance of winning in Switzerland.

And they will once again be favorites on Sunday after defeating the Lionesses in the 2023 World Cup final.