Liga F Should Take Inspiration from WSL’s Success

Aitana Bonmatí, the recent Ballon d’Or winner, has expressed her concerns about the current state of Liga F, suggesting that the league is “stagnating.” She believes that the league must adopt a more humble approach and take cues from the Women’s Super League (WSL) to unlock its full potential.

Despite the excitement surrounding Spain’s victory at the 2023 World Cup, Liga F has faced criticism for its lack of growth. This stagnation has led several players to seek opportunities abroad, with many transitioning to more competitive leagues like the WSL in England, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, and Liga MX in Mexico.

Bonmatí, who is often hailed as the best female footballer in the world, has devoted her entire career to Liga F. Although she has celebrated her club’s achievements with Barcelona, she has voiced her frustrations regarding insufficient support and infrastructure within the league. She believes these factors prevent it from being recognized as one of the premier leagues in global soccer.

“Other leagues are overtaking us at an incredible speed, when we have the potential to be a top league, an example of a league,” the 28-year-old shared in an interview with The Athletic. “We are stagnating. We are not getting any better. The league does not even have a sponsor; what interest is being put into the league? Who is running the league?”

Bonmatí emphasized the necessity for humility within the league, stating that it should look to the English leagues for inspiration. She pointed out that without substantial changes, it indicates a lack of ambition among those who govern the league.

Two of her fellow countrywomen and former Barça teammates, Laia Codina and Mariona Caldentey, have recently made moves to the WSL, both joining Arsenal within the last year. Codina transferred after Spain’s World Cup triumph, while Caldentey signed on a free transfer this summer and is poised to make her WSL debut against Manchester City.

Caldentey echoed Bonmatí’s sentiments about the stagnation in Liga F, recalling her ten years spent at Barcelona. “The Spanish League is not going how we would like it,” she remarked during an interview with BBC 5 Live Sport. “When England won the Euros, everyone could see a really big change in the league, and we missed that in Spain.”

She went on to highlight the contrasts following Spain’s World Cup win, expressing disappointment that it did not switch the momentum in their league. “We won the World Cup, and it changed nothing, so I think the WSL is right now the best league to play in,” she stated.

Codina added to the conversation, sharing her experience upon relocating to England. “I really feel that nothing changed in Spain after winning the World Cup. Here, you can see that everything is changing; everything is improving. The clubs are spending more money, which could be a reason why more Spanish players are coming here. It is a challenge and an exciting place,” she said.

Reflecting on the interest in the WSL among her national teammates, Codina noted that many inquire about the league and its competitive nature. She expressed hope that more players would consider following their path.

Recently, Bonmatí committed her future to Barcelona by signing a new contract that extends her stay at the club until 2028. There were reports of interest from reigning WSL champions Chelsea, who were prepared to pay her €3 million ($3.35 million) release clause, as confirmed by her agent Cristian Martin on Catalunya Radio.

Sources indicate that this new deal will make Bonmatí the highest-paid female player in the world. She stated, “My decision to stay is 100% because of Barça as a club, and if my decision was focused on the league instead of the club, then I would not have stayed, this is clear.”