Dembele Crowned King: Ballon d’Or 2025 Glory in Paris
Paris belonged to Ousmane Dembele on a historic September night, as the Paris Saint-Germain and France star was crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, officially taking his place at the top of world football.
The 28-year-old winger edged out teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, who had been tipped as his closest challenger, in front of a packed Théâtre du Châtelet crowd in the French capital. The golden ball was handed to him by Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, a fitting moment that united past and present in a single embrace.
A Season to Remember
Few players can boast a trophy cabinet like Dembele’s from the 2024/25 campaign. PSG’s flying forward lifted the Champions League, Ligue 1, French Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Trophée des Champions before sealing his season with football’s biggest individual honour. His speed, flair, and decisive goals turned tight matches into victories and cemented his reputation as one of the most unstoppable attackers in the game.
While Yamal didn’t leave empty-handed, walking away with the Kopa Trophy as the best U21 player in the world, the spotlight this year belonged to Dembele.
Bonmatí’s Historic Hat-Trick
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí once again proved unstoppable. The Barcelona and Spain midfielder was named Women’s Ballon d’Or winner for the third year in a row, a record-breaking achievement that confirms her dominance in the sport. Already a World Cup and multiple Champions League winner, she continues to redefine excellence.
Other Big Winners
The night also celebrated some of football’s finest across different roles.
- Vicky Lopez of Barcelona took the women’s Kopa Trophy.
- Luis Enrique and Sarina Wiegman were crowned Coaches of the Year with the Johan Cruyff Trophy.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed the Yashin Trophy as the world’s best goalkeeper, while Hannah Hampton took the women’s honour.
- The Gerd Müller Trophy went to Viktor Gyökeres for men and Ewa Pajor for women as the year’s most clinical strikers.
- PSG, thanks to their silverware sweep, were named Men’s Club of the Year, while Arsenal earned the women’s version after their Champions League triumph.
- The Socrates Award went to the Xana Foundation, set up by Luis Enrique in memory of his daughter, honouring its work supporting children with life-threatening illnesses.
A Night of Memories
Beyond the celebrations, the evening also carried emotional weight. Tributes were paid to former winners Denis Law and Diogo Jota, reminding the football world of its heroes past and present.
As Dembele raised the golden ball high above his head, the message was clear: a new king has risen, and Paris is his stage.
