Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmatí were crowned the best male and female players in the world at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
Dembele, the Paris Saint-Germain forward, lifted the men’s prize after a season that delivered a treble and PSG’s first Champions League triumph. Barcelona’s 18-year-old Lamine Yamal came second and was also named the best young player.
A tearful Dembele collected his award in front of a Paris crowd that chanted his name. He missed PSG’s league match in Marseille due to injury but said the recognition was worth the wait.
Bonmatí Makes History
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí achieved history by becoming the first woman to win the Ballon d’Or three years in a row. Only Lionel Messi and Michel Platini have done so in the men’s game.
“It’s incredible this feeling. I never thought when I was a kid that I could achieve this,” Bonmatí said. “I didn’t even think women’s football can exist.”
She added: “All of these trophies are because of collective work. We won some titles, but also lost to amazing footballers.”
Bonmatí grew up idolising Xavi and Iniesta. Now she stands alongside them as a Barcelona legend.
Other Winners on the Night
England’s Alessia Russo finished third in the women’s rankings after a strong season for Arsenal and the Lionesses. Russo’s club-mate, Mariona Caldentey, came second.
Sarina Wiegman, England coach, was named best women’s coach after leading her side to European glory.
PSG’s Luis Enrique took home the Johan Cruyff award for men’s coach of the year.
A new chapter opened for goalkeepers as England’s Hannah Hampton won the first-ever women’s Yashin Trophy. Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG took the men’s version for a record seventh time.
Arsenal and PSG were crowned women’s and men’s clubs of the year after their Champions League successes.
Sweden’s Viktor Gyökeres won the men’s Gerd Müller Trophy after scoring 63 goals for Sporting and Arsenal. Barcelona’s Polish forward Ewa Pajor netted 48 times to take the women’s prize.
Final Rankings
Dembele topped the men’s Ballon d’Or list ahead of Yamal, Vitinha, Mohamed Salah and Raphinha. Bonmatí led the women’s standings, followed by Caldentey, Russo, Alexia Putellas and Chloe Kelly.
For Spain, it was another golden night, with Bonmatí’s win marking the fifth consecutive year that a Barcelona player has taken the women’s Ballon d’Or.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
