Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí Crowned Ballon d’Or Winners 2025 in Historic Paris Ceremony
Paris, France – The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony at Théâtre du Châtelet delivered an unforgettable evening filled with glamour, emotion, and history. On a night when football’s biggest stars gathered under the Parisian lights, Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí emerged as the ultimate winners, cementing their places in football’s elite.
Dembélé’s Career-Defining Triumph
For Ousmane Dembélé, the men’s Ballon d’Or was the crowning moment of a career defined by resilience. The Paris Saint-Germain forward lifted the golden trophy to thunderous applause, while PSG fans celebrated with fireworks along the Seine. His victory symbolized both PSG’s Champions League dominance and his extraordinary transformation over the past year.
Just 12 months ago, Dembélé was left out of a crucial PSG squad after a clash with manager Luis Enrique. But a tactical shift in December put him in a central attacking role, igniting a run of 25 goals in 20 matches. That surge culminated in PSG’s Champions League final victory against Inter Milan, where Dembélé’s intensity defined the match.
Overcome with emotion, he invited his mother on stage, sharing the most cherished moment of his career. Once criticized at Barcelona, Dembélé’s redemption story is now complete, having edged out prodigy Lamine Yamal in the final vote.
Bonmatí’s Third Consecutive Ballon d’Or
Aitana Bonmatí cemented her place among the greatest players of all time by winning her third consecutive Ballon d’Or. Despite setbacks in the Champions League and European Championship, her consistency and brilliance earned her the top honor. Arsenal’s Alessia Russo finished third, while Barça’s Mariona Caldentey claimed second.
England’s Strong Presence
England also enjoyed a landmark night. Sarina Wiegman, coach of the Lionesses, received the Johan Cruyff Award for top female coach after guiding her team to Euro glory. In her speech, Wiegman called for inclusivity and responsibility in women’s football. Meanwhile, Hannah Hampton claimed the Yashin Trophy for best female goalkeeper, and Arsenal Women were crowned Club of the Year.
Rising Stars and Special Awards
- Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) and Vicky López (Barcelona)
- Yashin Award: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy/PSG) and Hannah Hampton (England/Chelsea)
- Gerd Müller Trophy: Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden/Sporting-Arsenal) and Ewa Pajor (Poland/Barcelona)
- Club of the Year: PSG (men’s team) and Arsenal (women’s team)
- Socrates Award: Xana Foundation
A Night of Legacy and New Beginnings
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony showcased resilience, inclusivity, and the global spirit of football. From Dembélé’s redemption story to Bonmatí’s dominance, from Wiegman’s inspiring words to Yamal’s rise, Paris witnessed a night that blended legacy with the promise of the future.