Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes Mariona Caldentey deserved the 2025 women's Ballon d'Or over winner Aitana Bonmati. Wright expressed his disagreement during an appearance on the Overlap YouTube channel. He acknowledged Bonmati's talent while arguing that Caldentey achieved superior results throughout the season. The Arsenal midfielder earned WSL Player of the Year honors and reached advanced stages in both the Champions League and European Championship.
Wright described feeling uncomfortable during the ceremony when organizers displayed footage of Bonmati's tournament defeats. He emphasized that Caldentey captured multiple major achievements during her campaign. The pundit suggested the prestigious award operates as an image-focused recognition rather than a purely merit-based selection. Wright maintained that Caldentey's comprehensive success warranted the top honor.
Wright described feeling uncomfortable during the ceremony when organizers displayed footage of Bonmati's tournament defeats. He emphasized that Caldentey captured multiple major achievements during her campaign. The pundit suggested the prestigious award operates as an image-focused recognition rather than a purely merit-based selection. Wright maintained that Caldentey's comprehensive success warranted the top honor.
