Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí Shine at the 2025 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
In a night filled with emotion and celebration, Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aitana Bonmatí of FC Barcelona were crowned the winners of the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards for 2025. The ceremony took place at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the footballing elite gathered to honor the best in the sport.
Dembélé’s Triumph: A Journey of Resilience
Ousmane Dembélé’s victory marks a significant milestone in his career, as he becomes the sixth Frenchman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, joining the ranks of legends like Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema. His journey to this accolade has been anything but straightforward. Last season, Dembélé faced challenges, including a temporary exclusion from the PSG squad due to disciplinary issues under coach Luis Enrique. However, a tactical shift that saw him play as a central forward revitalized his performance.
Dembélé’s contributions were pivotal in PSG’s historic campaign, culminating in their first UEFA Champions League title. He scored an impressive 35 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions, with 14 goal involvements in the Champions League alone. His performance in the final against Inter Milan, where PSG triumphed 5-0, showcased not only his scoring ability but also his commitment to pressing and defending, earning him accolades from fans and pundits alike.
During his acceptance speech, Dembélé expressed heartfelt gratitude, inviting his mother to join him on stage. “It’s incredible to win a trophy like this,” he said, visibly emotional. “I worked for the team to help win PSG’s first Champions League. To then be rewarded with an individual trophy like the Ballon d’Or is truly exceptional.”
Bonmatí’s Historic Hat-Trick
Aitana Bonmatí’s achievement is equally remarkable, as she secured her third consecutive Ballon d’Or title, a feat only previously accomplished by footballing greats Michel Platini and Lionel Messi. Despite facing adversity, including a heartbreaking loss to England in the Women’s European Championship final, Bonmatí’s resilience shone through. She was named the tournament’s best player, showcasing her talent even after a health scare that saw her hospitalized for viral meningitis just days before the competition.
Bonmatí’s contributions to Barcelona were instrumental in their domestic treble, and she also played a key role in the team’s journey to the Champions League final. “Third time in a row here, and I still can’t believe it,” she remarked during her speech. “I owe Barcelona everything. This is the club of my life.”
Her victory comes at a time when English women’s football is on the rise, with many expecting an English player to take home the award after the national team’s success in the Euros. However, Bonmatí’s consistent excellence proved insurmountable.
A Competitive Landscape
The competition for both awards was fierce. Dembélé faced strong contenders, including Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who had a breakout season and was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2025 victory. Yamal, who also won the Kopa award for the best under-21 player for the second consecutive year, expressed his determination to continue improving. “I need to keep on working to win other awards in the future,” he stated.
On the women’s side, Bonmatí’s closest rival was her teammate Mariona Caldentey, who also had a standout season. The presence of five English players among the top ten nominees highlighted the growing competitiveness in women’s football, yet Bonmatí’s consistent performance secured her place at the top.
Celebrating Excellence: Other Awards of the Night
The Ballon d’Or ceremony also recognized other outstanding talents in football. Barcelona’s Vicky Lopez won the women’s Kopa trophy, while Sarina Wiegman, who led England to their European victory, received the Johan Cruyff award for best women’s coach. PSG’s Luis Enrique was honored as the best men’s coach, further solidifying the club’s dominance in the past season.
PSG was named the best men’s club, and Gianluigi Donnarumma received the Lev Yashin award for best goalkeeper, a testament to his crucial role in the team’s success. The men’s and women’s Gerd Müller trophies for top scorers were awarded to Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor and Viktor Gyökeres, respectively, highlighting the exceptional talent present in both leagues.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony was not just a celebration of individual achievements but also a reflection of the evolving landscape of football. With Dembélé and Bonmatí at the forefront, the night underscored the importance of resilience, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As football continues to grow globally, the achievements of these players serve as an inspiration for future generations, reminding us that hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary success.
