Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has been crowned the men’s Ballon d’Or winner for 2025, following a dazzling season that saw him spearhead PSG’s first-ever UEFA Champions League victory.
The glittering ceremony took place on Monday, 22nd September, at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, celebrating the finest talents in world football.
Dembele, who scored 35 goals and registered 14 assists across all competitions, edged past Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (runner-up) and PSG teammate Vitinha (third place).
Despite a slow start to the season, the French forward found blistering form midway through the campaign, emerging as Europe’s most decisive attacker.
An emotional Dembele broke down in tears on stage as he thanked his family for their sacrifices. He was handed the trophy by Brazilian icon Ronaldinho, a moment symbolizing their shared heritage at both PSG and Barcelona.
On the women’s side, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati engraved her name further into history by winning her third consecutive Ballon d’Or, becoming the first woman to achieve this milestone.
She now joins football greats Lionel Messi and Michel Platini, the only men to have achieved three straight wins.
“It is an incredible feeling,” Bonmati said during her acceptance speech. “When I was a child, I never imagined this was possible, because women’s football hardly existed. My idols were players like Iniesta and Xavi, whom I only saw on TV. To stand here today and make history is truly incredible.”
Bonmati credited her success to collective effort, acknowledging both the triumphs and challenges of the past season, marked by hard-fought victories and setbacks against world-class opposition.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or gala not only celebrated individual brilliance but also highlighted the teamwork and resilience behind these achievements.
Dembele’s emotional victory reflects his resilience and influence at the very top of the game, while Bonmati’s historic third consecutive win signals the rising status and recognition of women’s football. Together, they have set new standards of excellence and inspiration, shaping the future of the sport and promising even greater chapters ahead.
