Marvelbet
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final may have been a coronation for Spain, but the night was equally defined by the outstanding individual performances recognized at the post-match awards ceremony. In a ceremony that highlighted the tournament’s top talents, two players stood out for their sheer dominance across the month-long competition: Spain’s midfield maestro Aitana Bonmati and England’s goalkeeping fortress, Mary Earps. Their awards weren’t just personal accolades; they were a testament to the evolving tactical intelligence and athleticism defining modern women’s football.
Aitana Bonmati: The Architect of Spain’s Triumph
When discussing the best player of the tournament, the conversation inevitably centered on Aitana Bonmati. Winning the Golden Ball—awarded to the tournament’s best player—felt less like a surprise and more like a formality. Bonmati was the pulse of the Spanish team, a player who dictated the rhythm of almost every game La Roja played.
The Modern Number 10
Often described as a “Pivot” or an interior midfielder, Bonmati’s role transcended any traditional label. She operated as the team’s engine and their primary creative outlet. According to former Spanish international and analyst Maria Vargas, “What sets Aitana apart isn’t just her technical ability; it’s her constant scanning of the field. She knows where everyone is before the ball even arrives at her feet. She is the textbook definition of a modern playmaker.”
Her statistics from the tournament were staggering. She wasn’t just about passing; she was about purposeful passing. She led the team in key passes and chances created, often dropping deep to receive the ball from the center-backs before turning and driving at the opposition’s defensive line.
A World Cup Final Performance for the Ages
While her entire tournament was stellar, her performance in the final against England was arguably her best. She controlled the midfield battle against a physically imposing English side, completing over 90% of her passes and creating the assist for Olga Carmona’s winning goal. Her composure on the ball, even under intense pressure from England’s Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway, showcased a mental fortitude that belied her relatively youthful age at this level. Marvelbet analysis noted that Bonmati’s ability to find and exploit space between the lines was the single biggest tactical headache for every opponent Spain faced.
Mary Earps: The Golden Glove Guardian
On the other side of the pitch, England’s Mary Earps provided a masterclass in goalkeeping throughout the tournament. While the Golden Ball went to an outfield player, many argued that Earps was equally vital to her team’s success. She was awarded the Golden Glove for the tournament’s best goalkeeper, a honor she secured with a series of breathtaking saves.
A Wall Between the Posts
Earps’ journey to this point has been one of resilience. After being dropped from the national team setup earlier in her career, she returned with a vengeance, becoming the undisputed number one. Her performance in the final was heroic. She made a crucial penalty save against Jenni Hermoso, a moment that could have shifted the entire momentum of the game.
Her distributors of the ball were also exceptional. In high-stakes matches, she acted as a sweeper-keeper, often rushing out of her area to clear long balls and starting counter-attacks with pinpoint throws. James Hartley, a former Premier League goalkeeper turned pundit, commented: “To win a Golden Glove at a World Cup, you need luck, but you also need sheer, undeniable skill. Earps’ reflexes are world-class, but it’s her positional sense and her ability to make the ‘hard save look easy’ that marks her out as the best in the world right now.”
The Penalty Save that Defined a Nation
Perhaps the most iconic moment of the entire final was Earps’ penalty stop. With Spain leading 1-0, a penalty could have been the killer blow. But Earps read the situation perfectly, diving low to her left to push away the spot-kick. The save wasn’t just a highlight; it was a catalyst that gave England hope and sparked a frantic final 30 minutes.
Comparing the Impacts: A Different Kind of Influence
While Bonmati and Earps played different roles, their impact on the trophy was similar in magnitude.
| Aspect | Aitana Bonmati | Mary Earps |
| Primary Role | Creative Midfielder (Building Play) | Goalkeeper (Preventing Goals) |
| Key Stat | Most Chances Created & Key Passes | Most Saves & Clean Sheets |
| Impact on Final | Dictated tempo, provided match-winning assist | Made the crucial penalty save |
| Tactical Strength | Vision, tight-space control, high press evasion | Reflexes, positioning, sweeping from the back |
Both players were the uncontested leaders in their respective departments. Bonmati’s award recognized the artistry of possession-based football, while Earps’ award celebrated the defensive solidity required to win major tournaments.
The Verdict: A Future Shaped by These Stars
The 2023 World Cup wasn’t just a victory for Spain as a collective; it was a victory for the individual spirit embedded in their squad. Bonmati’s Golden Ball solidifies her place in the pantheon of greats alongside Marta, Homare Sawa, and Carli Lloyd. Her performance should serve as a blueprint for young players everywhere—that intelligence and footballing IQ can be just as powerful as physical strength.
For England, Mary Earps’ Golden Glove provides a bittersweet but proud moment. She is now universally recognized as the best goalkeeper in the world. Her journey serves as a powerful narrative of redemption and hard work.
As Maria Vargas sums it up, “We are witnessing two generational talents at their peak. Bonmati is the artist with the ball, but Earps is the artist of the shirt. Both elevate the game to a level we haven’t seen consistently before.”
For fans looking to keep up with the latest football transfers, tactical breakdowns, and in-depth analysis, platforms like Marvelbet offer a comprehensive look into the beautiful game, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action. These individual awards were the perfect capstone to a World Cup that proved women’s football has never been more exciting or technically advanced.
