Paris witnessed a historic night as Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain claimed his first-ever Ballon d’Or, while Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona secured her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin at the 69th edition of the world’s most prestigious football awards.
The event, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, brought football fans and legends together to celebrate excellence in both men’s and women’s football. Applause and cheers echoed as the winners were honored for their outstanding performances over the past season.
French forward Ousmane Dembélé capped off a sensational season with PSG by winning the Ballon d’Or. Presented the award by football legend Ronaldinho, Dembélé was hailed for his pivotal role in helping PSG secure a historic treble – the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup.
Over the course of the season, he registered 35 goals in all competitions, including 21 goals in 29 Ligue 1 appearances. His eight goals and six assists in 15 Champions League matches were crucial in PSG’s first-ever triumph in Europe’s most coveted tournament.
Despite suffering a hamstring injury while on national duty, Dembélé attended the ceremony and expressed his gratitude. PSG fans remain hopeful he will soon return to action as the club continues its title defense.
Bonmatí: three-time world’s best
On the women’s side, Barcelona star Aitana Bonmatí once again reaffirmed her dominance by winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third consecutive year. The midfield maestro played a central role in Barcelona Femení’s domestic treble and continues to inspire a new generation of female footballers.
While Barcelona suffered disappointment in the Champions League and Euro 2025 finals against English opposition, Bonmatí’s influence on and off the pitch remains unmatched. Reflecting on her win, she said:
“We are more than footballers. We set an example for the entire world. For the new generations to come, they can now dream of being footballers in ways our generation could not. This is the best we can achieve.”
Rising stars and coaching excellence
Barcelona’s dominance in youth football was also on display, with Lamine Yamal winning the Kopa Trophy for the second straight year in the men’s under-21 category, while Vicky López claimed the women’s version.
In coaching honors, England’s Sarina Wiegman received the Johan Cruyff Trophy for her leadership in Lyoness’s European Championship triumph, while PSG’s Luis Enrique was recognized as the best coach after guiding the club to a treble-winning season.
Organized annually by France Football since 1956, the Ballon d’Or remains the highest recognition for footballing excellence. The 2025 edition not only cemented Dembélé’s status among the world’s elite but also highlighted Bonmatí’s era-defining brilliance in women’s football.
As the 9am News report notes, both players’ achievements reflect the growing influence of French and Spanish clubs on the global stage, ensuring that Paris and Barcelona remain at the heart of world football celebrations.
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