Anight of recognition at the Spotify Camp Nou. Alexia Putellas with her second Ballon d’Or, Robert Lewandowski with the Gerd Müller Trophy, and Gavi with the Kopa Trophy for best under 21 player received a resounding ovation from the Barça fans. Right before the Barça v Villarreal game kicked off, the Culers were able to pay tribute to them after Monday’s gala. Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees Fridolina Rolfö, Lucy Bronze, Aitana Bonmatí and Asisat Oshoala were also in the box to watch Barça v Villarreal.
An award first at a legendary venue
Alexia Putellas has won two of the first four Women’s Ballon d’Or awards (in 2021 and 2022). A Ballon d’Or to add to the UEFA Best Female Player of the Year, which she won a few months ago, also retaining it from the season before. Record achievements that were celebrated this evening with the crowd at Spotify Camp Nou, a venue where Barça Women made history last season and where they will play this season’s Champions League games against Bayern Munich and Rosengård.
This will be the third time that Barça Women will play a UEFA Women’s Champions League game at Spotify Camp Nou. The first was against Real Madrid on March 30, 2022, watched by a crowd of 91,553. The second was against Wolfsburg on April 22, this time with a crowd of 91,648. The world record attendance for a women’s football match was broken on both occasions.
When it comes to Lewandowski, the Polish striker won the newly created Gerd Müller Trophy that goes to the top scorer of last season, combining goals both for club and country. He had an incredible 2021, ending the calendar year with 69 goals (58 for Bayern and 11 for Poland).
In Gavi’s case, he won the award for best player under the age of 21 after a great season and establishing himself as a key player in the men’s first team.
This image captures a proud and celebratory moment on the football pitch, showcasing two prominent FC Barcelona players—one male and one female—each holding a prestigious football award. The stadium is filled with a vibrant crowd, with the stands in the background buzzing with fans. The atmosphere is lively and festive, indicating that the awards are being presented before a significant match or during a special ceremony.
On the left side of the image stands a confident young woman dressed in an elegant black pantsuit with a white top underneath. Her hair is tied back in a sleek ponytail, and she’s holding a golden Ballon d’Or trophy, which is awarded annually to the best player in the world. Her poised and professional appearance suggests she is being recognized for a monumental achievement in women’s football. The Ballon d’Or in her hands signifies not only individual excellence but also a significant contribution to her team’s success over the past year. She is most likely a top-tier player in FC Barcelona Femení, the women’s team, which has seen great success in recent years.
To her right stands a young male footballer in full FC Barcelona match kit, adorned in the vibrant red and blue colors of the club. He is holding the Golden Boy award, which is typically awarded to the best under-21 player in Europe. The player is proudly presenting the award to the crowd, his face filled with joy and pride. His uniform features the Nike logo and the official club crest, and his socks and boots are worn, showing he is ready to take the field or just came off after a performance. His stance and expression reflect the honor of being acknowledged among the best young talents in the football world.
The background shows a pitch in pristine condition and stadium lights casting a bright, clean light on the players. The image captures a powerful moment of recognition, not just for the individuals but also for FC Barcelona as a club that fosters and celebrates excellence in both men’s and women’s football. The club’s dual commitment to nurturing young talent and elevating women’s football is on full display here.
This scene is symbolic of a new era in football—where female athletes are recognized on the same grand stages as their male counterparts. It also highlights the importance of youth development in football, as evidenced by the presence of a young male player being awarded for his potential and performances.
In essence, this image tells a story of hard work, dedication, and the emotional payoff of achieving greatness in sports. It captures the spirit of modern football—a game that continues to evolve, include, and inspire fans of all ages and backgrounds.
