PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain and France forward Ousmane Dembélé has been crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, beating Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal to world football’s most prestigious individual honor.
Ronaldinho Presents the Trophy in Paris
The star-studded ceremony was held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, hosted by presenter Kate Scott and Dutch legend Ruud Gullit. Brazilian and Barcelona icon Ronaldinho handed over the Ballon d’Or trophy to Dembélé after kissing the golden ball.
A Season of Unmatched Success
Dembélé’s 2024–25 campaign saw him lead PSG to a stunning treble of Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup titles, alongside victories in the UEFA Super Cup and Trophée des Champions. The Ballon d’Or capped off a dream season for the 28-year-old.
Bonmatí Wins Women’s Ballon d’Or for Third Straight Year
Spanish midfield maestro Aitana Bonmatí cemented her dominance in women’s football by winning the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third consecutive time. The 27-year-old Barcelona and Spain star, already a World Cup and three-time Champions League winner, now joins the elite ranks of triple Ballon d’Or winners.
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Youth Awards Highlight Rising Stars
Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal received the Kopa Trophy as the best men’s player under 21. In the women’s category, Barcelona’s Vicky López was honored for her outstanding performances at just 19.
Other Major Awards at a Glance
| Award | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Ballon d’Or | Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) | Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona) |
| Kopa Trophy (Best U21) | Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) | Vicky López (Barcelona) |
| Johan Cruyff Trophy (Best Coach) | Luis Enrique (PSG) | Sarina Wiegman (England) |
| Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper) | Gianluigi Donnarumma (Man City) | Hannah Hampton (England) |
| Gerd Müller Trophy (Best Striker) | Viktor Gyökeres (ex-Arsenal) | Eva Pajor (Barcelona) |
| Club of the Year | Paris Saint-Germain | Arsenal |
| Socrates Award | The Jana Foundation — supporting children with life-threatening illnesses |
Read More: Contenders of Ballon d’Or
Tributes and Emotional Moments
The ceremony also included a heartfelt tribute to Denis Law, Manchester United’s 1964 Ballon d’Or winner, and a moving video remembering Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who passed away earlier this year.
A Shift in the Ballon d’Or Landscape
Since 2008, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have claimed 14 of the last 16 Ballon d’Ors. Luka Modrić (2018), Karim Benzema (2022), and Rodri (2024) were the only players to break their dominance. Rodri’s historic 2024 win followed a near-perfect season with Manchester City and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
New Features Captivate Fans Worldwide
This year’s edition introduced a live digital fan voting segment, enabling global supporters to have a say in real time. The ceremony also featured 3D animated breakdowns of player statistics, offering a futuristic twist that thrilled both viewers and attendees.
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