Ousmane Dembele, Aitana Bonmati Win 2025 Ballon d’Or Awards
Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati were awarded the top honors at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, France.
Dembele won the men’s award, surpassing Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, after helping PSG secure a continental treble last season. Bonmati, a Spain international, clinched the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third consecutive year, beating Mariona Caldentey.
Other winners included young players Lopez and Yamal, best coaches Wiegman and Enrique, best goalkeepers Hampton and Donnarumma, top scorers Pajor and Gyokeres, women’s club Arsenal, and men’s club PSG.
The Ballon d’Or landscape has evolved beyond the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo, with a wider pool of contenders emerging. Speculation for future winners includes Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah, Pedri, Vinicius Junior, Erling Haaland, Michael Olise, and Naomi Girma.
The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026 presents an opportunity for players like Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, and Victor Osimhen to shine and enhance their Ballon d’Or prospects.
The World Cup has historically influenced Ballon d’Or outcomes, with standout performances often leading to victory. The upcoming World Cup in North America is expected to have a significant impact on future winners.
Lamine Yamal graciously accepted his second-place finish at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, acknowledging the achievement despite missing out on the top prize. The event highlighted the competitive nature of the award and the diverse talent in men’s football.
Barcelona’s treatment of Ousmane Dembele, who found success at PSG after leaving the club, was criticized for its handling of the player's departure in 2022. Despite initial challenges, Dembele’s career trajectory has proven his capabilities on the field.
The ceremony, which coincided with a PSG match against Marseille, celebrated the long-awaited success of Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, who was surrounded by family and friends as he left the event.
French players have a strong legacy at the Ballon d’Or, with Ousmane Dembele becoming the sixth Frenchman to claim the prestigious award. The evening marked a significant moment for Dembele, who received the trophy from football legend Ronaldinho.
Debates surrounding the Ballon d’Or winners, particularly in women’s football, continue post-ceremony, with discussions on the recognition of players from different leagues and the standout performances of individuals like Aitana Bonmati.
Barcelona’s historical success at the Ballon d’Or was highlighted, with the club boasting 17 wins across the men’s and women’s awards. Aitana Bonmati’s contributions in crucial moments, such as in the Euro 2025 quarter-final and semi-final, underscored her impact on the field.