Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has won the 2025 Ballon d’Or after beating Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal to the prestigious award at a ceremony in Paris on Monday night.
The French international capped a remarkable season in which he lifted the Champions League, Ligue 1, French Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Trophée des Champions with PSG.
His performances earned him recognition as the world’s best player, edging out 18-year-old Yamal, who had been tipped by many as a strong favourite.
Dembele, visibly emotional as he received the golden ball from Brazil legend Ronaldinho, dedicated the award to his mother.
“This is the most beautiful moment of my life.”
“I thank my teammates, my coaches, the fans and my mum who has always believed in me. This award is for her,” he said in French.
In the women’s category, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí made history by winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third consecutive year, joining Lionel Messi and Michel Platini as the only players to achieve such a feat.
“To win this award three times in a row is unbelievable ”
“I dedicate it to my teammates and to every young girl who dreams of playing football,” Bonmatí said.
Other Winners at the 2025 Ballon d’Or
Best Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (England) and Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
Best Young Player (Men’s): Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
Best Young Player (Women’s): Vicky López (Spain, Barcelona)
Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain (France)
Women’s Club of the Year: Arsenal (England)
Coaches of the Year: Sarina Wiegman (Spain women’s national coach) and Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
The awards capped a dominant year for Spanish football, with five Lionesses also making the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or Féminin rankings.
