Ousmane Dembélé’s glittering career finally reached football’s grandest individual stage on Monday night as the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward was crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner. The Frenchman, donning the iconic No. 10 shirt in Paris, delivered a season of redemption, resilience, and records, placing him at the pinnacle of the global game.
The 28-year-old earned the award after a breathtaking 2024–25 campaign, where he served as the engine of a PSG side that swept domestic competitions and finally lifted their long-coveted first UEFA Champions League title.
PSG’s Treble and Dembélé’s Spark
Dembélé was at the heart of PSG’s treble-winning march. In Ligue 1, he provided crucial goals that kept the team ahead of rivals. In the Coupe de France, his flair tilted games in PSG’s favor. But it was on the European stage where he truly stood apart, tormenting defenders in the Champions League with pace, trickery, and decisive contributions.
In the Champions League Final, the Frenchman was unplayable. He delivered key assists and led PSG’s attack as they toppled Europe’s elite to capture the crown that had eluded them for decades.
From Barcelona Struggles to Paris Triumph
The victory and award are even sweeter considering Dembélé’s troubled spell at Barcelona. Injuries and inconsistency cast shadows over his years in Spain. Yet, his 2023 move to PSG gave him a fresh slate. Under Luis Enrique’s system, he was given freedom and responsibility, both of which he seized.
What followed was a transformation: from an injury-prone winger to PSG’s undisputed offensive leader, carrying the torch once held by Lionel Messi and Neymar. His comeback story struck a chord with fans worldwide.
Dembélé’s Words of Gratitude
“This award is not just for me,” Dembélé said, clutching the golden ball with pride. “It is for everyone who believed in me, my family, my teammates, and PSG fans. Together we proved that setbacks can be the beginning of something greater.”
Gyökeres and Pajor Shine as Top Strikers
It was not just Dembélé who took home honors on the night. Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward, claimed the Gerd Müller Trophy after a phenomenal campaign where he scored 63 goals in 58 matches. His consistency made him one of Europe’s deadliest finishers.
On the women’s side, Ewa Pajor of Wolfsburg secured the women’s version of the award, cementing her reputation as one of the sharpest strikers in the game.
Aitana Bonmatí Makes History
If Dembélé’s story was one of resurgence, Aitana Bonmatí’s was one of dominance. The Barcelona star won the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin, becoming the first woman in history to win three consecutive titles (2023, 2024, and 2025).
Her creativity, composure, and leadership in midfield carried Barcelona through another strong campaign and shone brightly during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. Though her team narrowly missed reclaiming the Champions League crown, Bonmatí’s individual brilliance was unmatched.
Rising Standards in Women’s Football
Pundits hailed her victory as a milestone for the women’s game. Bonmatí is redefining the role of a modern midfielder, blending artistry with tactical intelligence. “Her influence is total, when she plays, Barcelona and Spain play better,” remarked one analyst.
Nigerian Pride as Nnadozie Finishes Fourth
Africa also had its share of pride at the Paris gala. Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, goalkeeper for the Super Falcons and Paris FC, finished fourth in the women’s Yachine Trophy rankings.
Though she narrowly missed out on the podium, her recognition alongside the world’s elite solidifies her place as one of the best goalkeepers in women’s football. England’s Hannah Hampton won the award, edging past Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Spain’s Cata Coll.
Donnarumma Wins Yachine Trophy Again
In the men’s category, Gianluigi Donnarumma, recently signed by Manchester City, won the Yachine Trophy for best goalkeeper. This marks his second career win, following his 2021 triumph. His performances in PSG’s Champions League run were pivotal before his summer move.
PSG and Arsenal Women Crowned Clubs of the Year
Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance was further recognized as they were named Best Men’s Club of 2025, a reflection of their treble-winning season and historic European crown.
On the women’s side, Arsenal Women claimed the Club of the Year award after a stellar season in the Women’s Super League and strong continental performances.
Socrates Award for Social Engagement
The Socrates Award, honoring social impact, was presented to the Xana Foundation, created by PSG coach Luis Enrique in memory of his late daughter Xana. The foundation supports children battling life-threatening illnesses and was applauded as a shining example of football’s power beyond the pitch.
Luis Enrique and Wiegman Named Best Coaches
PSG’s mastermind Luis Enrique was honored with the Johan Cruyff Trophy for Best Coach, recognizing his tactical brilliance in guiding PSG to five trophies in a single year. Though he missed the ceremony due to a Ligue 1 fixture, his imprint on PSG’s rise is undeniable.
On the women’s side, Sarina Wiegman of England added another accolade to her storied career, reinforcing her reputation as one of the greatest managers in modern football.
Lamine Yamal Makes History with Back-to-Back Kopa Trophies
Another headline of the night came from Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who became the first-ever player to win the Kopa Trophy twice in succession. The award, given to the best under-21 player in the world, reflected his dazzling impact at just 18.
Yamal’s 18 goals and 25 assists fueled Barcelona’s domestic treble, and his fearless dribbling left defenders across Europe in awe. His rise has drawn comparisons with icons like Lionel Messi.
Vicky Lopez Scoops Women’s Kopa Trophy
Barcelona’s dominance extended to the women’s game, with Vicky Lopez winning the Women’s Kopa Trophy. At just 19, she is regarded as one of the brightest young stars in football, culminating in an unforgettable night for the Catalan giants.
A Celebration of Football’s Global Reach
From Paris to Barcelona, Lisbon to London, the 2025 Ballon d’Or gala reflected the truly global nature of the sport. Stars of all ages and backgrounds were celebrated, underlining football’s power to inspire on and off the field.
A Night That Belonged to Dembélé
Yet, in the end, all eyes returned to Ousmane Dembélé. His journey from a troubled spell at Barcelona to the top of world football with PSG symbolized resilience and rebirth.
For PSG fans, his golden ball was the final proof that their club had arrived on the biggest stage. For the football world, it was a reminder that talent, when combined with perseverance, can overcome even the most severe setbacks.
As the lights dimmed in Paris and the Ballon d’Or gala came to a close, one truth stood clear: this was Ousmane Dembélé’s year.
