Ousmane Dembélé beats Lamine Yamal to win 2025 Ballon d’Or award
On Monday, Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain received his inaugural Ballon d’Or award, while Aitana Bonmatí from Barcelona secured her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin at the annual soccer awards that honor the finest players in both the men’s and women’s games.
The 69th edition of these awards took place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where local fans rejoiced in the triumph of one of their own. Cheers for Dembélé echoed from the theater’s balcony as the French footballer accepted the accolade from former Brazilian and PSG legend Ronaldinho.
Dembélé enjoyed another outstanding season with the French club, contributing significantly to PSG’s collection of trophies, which included the European treble comprising the Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup titles. He netted an impressive 35 goals last season.
At 28 years of age, he participated in 29 league matches, scoring 21 goals throughout the season; however, it was in the Champions League where his performances truly shone. Dembélé scored eight goals and provided six assists in 15 matches, guiding a youthful PSG team to its first-ever Champions League title.
Although he has primarily played as a winger throughout his career, Dembélé frequently took on a central role for Luis Enrique’s squad, leading a fluid and formidable attacking trio, supported by the dynamic Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The position was well-suited for the former Barcelona player, as he effectively facilitated play among his teammates and received the ball in areas where he could inflict maximum damage on opposing teams – a fact evident during PSG’s memorable evening in Munich.
Although he did not score, Dembélé proved to be a persistent nuisance for Inter Milan, assisting in two goals and contributing to the creation of another during his team’s 5-0 victory.
Dembélé was able to participate in Monday’s ceremony as he is recuperating from a right hamstring injury sustained while on national team duty earlier this month. His teammates were unable to celebrate in person, as PSG faced Marseille on the southern coast of France in a previously postponed Ligue 1 match. The reigning champions suffered a 1-0 defeat on Monday, marking their first loss of the season.
A familiar recipient of this accolade, Bonmatí has now been recognized as the best women’s soccer player in the world for an astonishing three consecutive years. The midfielder has been a dominant force in world football in recent years and played a pivotal role in Barcelona Femení’s achievements last season.
Barcelona secured a domestic treble, further solidifying its dominance in Spanish soccer; however, the 27-year-old will undoubtedly feel disappointed after losing two significant finals against English teams.
Bonmatí’s Barcelona was defeated by Arsenal in the Champions League final before succumbing to England in a penalty shootout at Euro 2025. Nevertheless, Bonmatí remained a key figure during the most critical moments in women’s soccer. Upon receiving the award, she contemplated her role and the future of the sport.
“We are more than just footballers. We are setting an example across the globe. For the new generations coming up, I believe they can aspire to be footballers, unlike our generation. They can envision it. This is the greatest achievement we can attain,” Bonmatí stated.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has secured the men’s Kopa Trophy for the second consecutive year, an award given to the top under-21 player. The 18-year-old sensation was also a nominee for the Ballon d’Or. In a clean sweep for both Barca and Spain in this category, attacking midfielder Vicky López claimed the women’s Kopa Trophy.
The recipient of the women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy (coach of the year) was Sarina Wiegman from England. She successfully led the Lionesses to consecutive Women’s Euro championships in 2025.
Following his success in guiding his team to both the Champions League and Ligue 1 titles last season, PSG’s manager, Luis Enrique, was awarded the men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy. Since 1956, France Football has been recognizing the finest talents in the sport.
