Caitlin Clark named Time Magazine's Athlete of the Year amid backlash
- Aitana Bonmati celebrated her second consecutive victory as The Best FIFA Women’s Player, showcasing her exceptional talent in football.
- The award ceremony also acknowledged achievements by Alyssa Naeher and Emma Hayes, highlighting a successful year for women's football.
- The recognition of athletes has sparked discussions around race and equity in sports, emphasizing the need for broader acknowledgment of all players.
In December 2024, Spain's Aitana Bonmati received the prestigious award of The Best FIFA Women’s Player for the second consecutive year. Her achievement is attributed to a highly successful year not only for her club, FC Barcelona, but also for her national team, as she secured the Nations League title earlier in February. This win comes parallel to her previous honors, including the women's Ballon d'Or, which she achieved for the second time in October. Alongside Bonmati's commendations, the awards ceremony also recognized Alyssa Naeher as The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper due to her significant contributions leading the USWNT to an Olympic gold medal. United States’ head coach Emma Hayes was awarded The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, marking another layer of success for American women's football in the global landscape. Bonmati's recognition has drawn attention not just on her individual achievements but also how they reflect in the broader narrative of women’s football, particularly emphasizing teamwork and collective efforts in the sport. FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged Bonmati for her impressive performances, underlining how she has engaged fans around the world through her commitment on the field. Controversies surrounding accolades in women’s sports have also emerged, specifically aimed at Caitlin Clark, the Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year. Sheila Johnson, co-owner of the Washington Mystics, received backlash for suggesting that the magazine could have highlighted the entire league rather than focusing on a single player. Clark herself recognized the privileges attributed to her race in the context of athletic recognition, noting the significance of uplifting black players in the league. This ongoing dialogue mirrors overarching themes of race and recognition in sports and demonstrates the need for more equitable representation in media coverage.