Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembélé and Bonmatí Take Top Honors

The footballing world descended upon the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris for the highly anticipated 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, celebrating the standout performances of the 2024/25 season. In a night dominated by Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, the coveted Ballon d’Or trophies for the best male and female players were awarded to Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí, respectively.

Men’s Ballon d’Or: Dembélé’s Moment of Triumph

In a historic night for Paris Saint-Germain, French forward Ousmane Dembélé claimed the most prestigious individual award in football, the Men’s Ballon d’Or. The 28-year-old was the catalyst for PSG’s most successful season to date, leading the club to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title alongside a domestic double. His remarkable campaign saw him register an impressive 37 goals and 15 assists, earning him the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award. Dembélé’s win marks a new era in football, as he beat out formidable contenders including the young sensation Lamine Yamal and his club-mate Vitinha.

Women’s Ballon d’Or: A Historic Third for Bonmatí

In a display of unparalleled dominance, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí made history by winning the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third consecutive year. The Barcelona midfield maestro was instrumental in her club’s domestic treble, and she played a key role in their run to the Women’s Champions League final. Bonmatí’s exceptional talent and vision have cemented her status as one of the greatest female footballers of all time, a fact underscored by her joining the ranks of football legends Lionel Messi and Michel Platini as a three-time consecutive winner.

A New Era of Recognition: Inaugural Awards for Women’s Football

This year’s ceremony underscored a significant step forward for the recognition of women’s football, with the introduction of three new categories dedicated to female players. Barcelona’s Vicky López took home the inaugural Women’s Kopa Trophy for the best young female player, while Chelsea and England’s Hannah Hampton was the first recipient of the Women’s Yashin Trophy for the best female goalkeeper. The Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy for top goalscorer was awarded to Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor, who scored 43 goals across all competitions.

Other Major Award Winners

• Men’s Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain) The teenage prodigy continues to impress, winning the Kopa Trophy for the second year in a row after another stellar season with Barcelona.
• Men’s Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG / Manchester City, Italy) The Italian shot-stopper was a crucial part of PSG’s Champions League victory, earning him the award for a second time in his career.
• Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy (Top Goalscorer): Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP / Arsenal, Sweden) Gyökeres was honored for his prolific goalscoring, netting an incredible 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting CP before his move to Arsenal.
• Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain, Spain) After guiding PSG to their first-ever Champions League title, Luis Enrique was rightfully recognized for his tactical brilliance and leadership.
• Women’s Coach of the Year: Sarina Wiegman (England National Team, Netherlands) Wiegman’s exceptional work with the England Lionesses, including their successful defense of the European Championship, earned her the coaching honor.
• Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain (France) Following their historic season, which included a Champions League triumph, PSG was crowned the best men’s club.
• Women’s Club of the Year: Arsenal W.F.C. (England) Arsenal was recognized for their remarkable season, which saw them clinch the Women’s Champions League.
• Sócrates Award (Humanitarian Work): Fundación Xana (Spain) The award, presented to the foundation created by Luis Enrique in memory of his daughter, recognized their work in supporting children with life-threatening illnesses.