The 2023 female Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati has listed Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernadez, and Andres Iniesta among her favorite male football players.
Insisting that Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, is her hero, Bonmati declared as much.
The Barcelona midfielder, who took home the Ballon d’Or award this year, gave a speech on Monday night in Paris.
Didier Drogba, a Chelsea star, told the 25-year-old that Guardiola claimed she was Iniesta’s female counterpart.
In response, Bonmati said, “I’m at a loss for words (laughs).” I often express my pride in sharing Pep Guardiola’s birthday, January 18, with him.
To me, he is an idol. Although I missed his games, I was able to witness the incredible period he brought to Barcelona with Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets.
“I had some of my happiest memories throughout those years. It’s exceptional to have someone like Guardiola recognize your abilities and even draw comparisons to Iniesta, who, together with Messi and Xavi Hernadez, is my favorite player.
