Paris Saint-Germain’s forward Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual honor, during an edge-of-the-seat ceremony in Paris on Sept. 22.
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho took the stage to announce that the award would go to a French player for the first time in three years and the seventh in the nation’s history.
Previous French winners include Karim Benzema in 2022, Zinedine Zidane in 1998, Jean-Pierre Papin in 1991, Michel Platini from 1983 to 1985 and Raymond Kopa in 1958.
Dembélé’s triumph caps off a remarkable 2024-2025 campaign, during which he netted 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 53 appearances, according to Transfermarkt.
His performance helped PSG achieve a historic treble, lifting the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France. In addition, Dembélé was named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season and Ligue 1 Player of the Year.
Criticized during his time at Barcelona for inconsistency and injuries, Dembélé silenced his doubters with hard work and perseverance. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “There are challenges in life you have to overcome, and I did.”
Although it was an unforgettable campaign ending for Dembélé, the night carried a bittersweet note for FC Barcelona fans — especially for Lamine Yamal’s father, who had been confident his son would lift the longed-for trophy. Moments before the announcement, he declared with pride and emotion, “Lamine Yamal, in the good and in the bad.”
Among other major honors at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Aitana Bonmatí of FC Barcelona claimed her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, reaffirming her dominance in women’s football.
As the first woman to win the award three times, she joined the podium of footballers with the most Ballon d’Ors—Lionel Messi with eight, Cristiano Ronaldo with five, and Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini with three each.
Yamal and Vicky López of Spain won the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 footballers.
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City received the Men’s Yashin Trophy, while Hannah Hampton of Chelsea took home the Women’s Yashin Trophy. Both goalkeepers led their teams to win domestic trebles in France and England.
Viktor Gyökeres, previously Sporting CP, and Ewa Pajor from FC Barcelona earned the Gerd Müller Trophy as the year’s top scorers, with 63 and 51 goals respectively.PSG was named Men’s Club of the Year and Arsenal captured Women’s Club of the Year.
PSG Coach Luis Enrique and England Coach Sarina Wiegman were honored as Best Coaches of the Year.
