by Paul Emmanuel
The prestigious award, presented annually by France Football magazine since 1956, recognises the best football players in the world. This year, it was Dembélé’s turn to step into the spotlight after years of battling injuries and critics. His speed, creativity, and decisive performances made him the standout star of world football in 2025.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, following an extraordinary season that saw him inspire PSG to their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph.
Aitana Bonmatí Wins Women’s Ballon d’Or for Third Straight Year
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona and Spain clinched the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third consecutive year. Bonmatí’s leadership and consistency at both club and international level have cemented her status as one of the greatest players of her generation.
Full List of Ballon d’Or 2025 Winners
The awards night in Paris celebrated not just the best male and female players but also young talents, goalkeepers, coaches, and clubs that made headlines throughout the season.
Ballon d’Or (Men): Ousmane Dembélé – PSG / France
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women): Aitana Bonmatí – Barcelona / Spain
Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player U21, Men): Lamine Yamal – Barcelona / Spain
Kopa Trophy (Women): Vicky López – Barcelona / Spain
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper, Men): Gianluigi Donnarumma – PSG / Italy
Yashin Trophy (Women): Hannah Hampton – Chelsea / England
Gerd Müller Trophy (Top Scorer, Men): Viktor Gyökeres – Sporting CP / Sweden
Gerd Müller Trophy (Top Scorer, Women): Ewa Pajor – Wolfsburg / Poland
Johan Cruyff Trophy (Best Coach, Men): Luis Enrique – PSG / Spain
Johan Cruyff Trophy (Best Coach, Women): Sarina Wiegman – England
Club of the Year (Men): Paris Saint-Germain
Club of the Year (Women): Arsenal
Sócrates Award (Humanitarian Impact): Xana Foundation
Why the Ballon d’Or Matters
The Ballon d’Or remains football’s most prestigious individual honour, a symbol of excellence that transcends generations. Legends like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Ronaldinho have all lifted the trophy. In 2025, Ousmane Dembélé joins this elite list, while Aitana Bonmatí continues to redefine dominance in women’s football.
