WORLD Cup champion Aitana Bonmati hailed a “powerful generation of women” on Monday when accepting Fifa’s award as best female footballer.

Looking on at the Hammersmith Apollo theatre in London was Spain team mate Jenni Hermoso, who has spearheaded the fight against sexism in women’s football in Spain.

Hermoso was on the shortlist for the award, along with runner-up Linda Caicedo of Colombia.

Bonmati and Hermoso helped Spain win their first Women’s World Cup, beating England 1-0 in the final in Sydney last August.

The 33-year-old Hermoso was forcibly kissed on the lips by then-Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales in the post-match celebrations. Hermoso recently testified before a Madrid court as part of a sexual assault case against Rubiales.

“I’m proud of being part of a powerful generation of women who are changing the rules of the game and the world,” Bonmati told the media.

The 25-year-old Spain playmaker won her first Ballon d’Or award last October. She took home a Uefa award in August, and used her acceptance speech to support Hermoso.

Rubiales eventually resigned three weeks after the August 20 final. Women’s team coach Jorge Vilda also left his post in the fallout.

Hermoso recently stated that Vilda also had to go as players felt he routinely invaded their privacy.

Brazil’s Marta, who played in her sixth Women’s World Cup last year, was presented a career-achievement award and Marcia Aoki, who is Pele’s widow, was on stage to present it.

The 37-year-old Marta urged the audience to “search every day” for ways to improve equality, especially for women.

“Try to make the world better for everyone. That’s my message to everyone, to every person who has the power [to make changes],” Marta added, before motioning to Hermoso as an example. “The next generations will thank you for that.”