In a night filled with emotion, Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí were named the world’s best footballers at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
Dembélé, 28, became the first Frenchman in more than two decades to win the men’s award while playing for a club in his home country. His dazzling performances helped PSG secure an unprecedented continental treble last season, making him the favourite ahead of Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
When Ronaldinho opened the envelope and announced his name, the Théâtre du Châtelet erupted. Fans chanted “Ousmane! Ousmane!” as the winger lifted the golden trophy, his voice cracking as he dedicated the honour to his mother.
“We’ve done this all together,” he said, pausing to fight back tears. “She has always supported me, from the beginning.”
Dembélé also paid tribute to his former clubs Rennes, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, as well as PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, whom he described as “like a father.” The moment was as much about the people who shaped his career as it was about the prize itself.
Bonmatí, meanwhile, cemented her legacy as the dominant force in women’s football. The Spain international won her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, a feat matched only by Lionel Messi and Michel Platini in the men’s game.
Accepting the award from her childhood idol Andrés Iniesta, Bonmatí spoke with humility. “It’s incredible, this feeling,” she said. “When I was a kid, I didn’t think women’s football could exist. Now young girls can dream about becoming footballers — that is the best thing we can achieve.”
Her closest rival was Spain team-mate Mariona Caldentey, who enjoyed a superb season with Arsenal and many argued had a strong case for the award. But voters once again rewarded Bonmatí’s consistency and influence for both club and country.
The night also celebrated rising talent and coaching excellence. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and PSG’s Pau Cubarsí shared honours among the young players, while England’s Sarina Wiegman and Spain’s Luis Enrique were named best coaches. Goalkeeper awards went to Mary Earps’ successor Hannah Hampton and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal were recognised as the women’s club of the year, with PSG taking the men’s title — underlining their dominance on both domestic and European stages.
For Dembélé, the evening was a crowning moment in front of a home crowd. For Bonmatí, it was confirmation of her place among football’s greats. Both winners stood not only as champions of their sport, but as symbols of persistence, resilience and belief.
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