Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembele Triumphs, Bonmatí Reigns & Vibrant Rivalries Define a Season

Paris lit up on the night of Monday, September 22, 2025, at Théâtre du Châtelet, where Ousmane Dembélé lifted his first Men’s Ballon d’Or and Aitana Bonmatí made history by winning her third straight Women’s Ballon d’Or. For fans of the Premier League, La Liga, and global football, this night was about redemption, dominance, and surprise ascentions.

A Night Written in Legacy and Surprise

Ousmane Dembélé, 28, was crowned the Men’s Ballon d’Or after a sensational 2024-25 season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in which he was a driving force behind their first ever UEFA Champions League title plus domestic successes. Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmatí continued her reign over women’s football, winning her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin despite Barcelona falling short in the Champions League final. (Reuters)

The ceremony also celebrated up-and-coming stars, standout goalkeepers, and teams whose seasons were defined by both flair and steel. It was not just about who scored most goals, but who turned moments into memories. (CBSSports.com)

How Voting Worked — Because It Still Matters

• Voters: 100 journalists from different FIFA-ranked nations selected the top five male players. Similar panels vote for the Women’s Ballon d’Or and other trophies. (Wikipedia)

• Criteria: Individual performance, consistency, big moments (especially in UEFA competitions), trophies, and impact in crucial matches.

• Timing period: The season counted was roughly from 1 August 2024 to mid-July 2025, aligning with the major club and international tournaments. (Wikipedia)

Winners & Awards: The Full List

Here are the key winners from Ballon d’Or 2025. (CBSSports.com)

Also, PSG was named Men’s Club of the Year and Arsenal was Women’s Club of the Year. (CBSSports.com)

The Top-5 That Defined the Men's Ballon d’Or

Here are the top‐5 in the men’s category — the finalists whose seasons lit up Europe. (SI)

1. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG / France) — The champion. He led PSG to historic European glory, scored ~35 goals across all competitions, and delivered when it mattered most, especially in Champions League knockout rounds and the final. His pace, creative runs, and clutch moments made the difference. (CBSSports.com)

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain) — At only 18, Yamal held his own among giants. Explosive in La Liga and in Europe, he combined goals & assists with youthful audacity and was once again a key reason Barcelona stayed in the title races. (SI)

3. Vitinha (PSG / Portugal) — The midfield dynamo. His ability to control tempo, break lines, and contribute to both goals and possession phases was central. He may not have gotten the glory that strikers often do, but voters clearly recognized his importance. (SI)

4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool / Egypt) — Even in a season of shifting expectations, Salah remained a model of consistency. Goals, canny movement, big matches—he reminded everyone why he’s been in the elite for years. (SI)

5. Raphinha (Barcelona / Brazil) — When fit, Raphinha was a spotlight player: dazzling dribbles, important contributions in tight games, and a story of perseverance after injury. His season reinforced Barcelona’s reliance on multiple attacking threats. (SI)

Standouts Off the Pitch & Other Awards

• Women’s Ballon d’Or: Bonmatí’s dominance continued — even though Barcelona fell to Arsenal in the Champions League Final, she was a spark, a leader in midfield, and a symbol of consistency. (Barca Blaugranes)

• Club of the Year (Men): PSG not only collected trophies—they did so in style. The quadruple (including Ligue 1, domestic cups, Champions League) cemented them as Europe’s top side. (CBSSports.com)

• Coach of the Year: Luis Enrique (PSG) earned the Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy for orchestrating PSG’s treble/quadrup le success and managing star egos into a coherent, attacking force. (CBSSports.com)

Why This Ballon d’Or Was Different (and What It Means Moving Forward)

• A shift in narrative: Dembélé had long been labeled “what might be” — tonight, he became “what is.” His win confirms that reinvention is possible even for established stars.

• Youth impact: Lamine Yamal, winning the Kopa, reaffirmed that teen prodigies are not just hype—they’re consistent, impactful contributors. Expect more clubs to lean on young stars in decisive moments.

• Club dominance matters: PSG’s squad depth and ability to win at home and abroad showed that winning major trophies remains crucial—flashy individual stats alone aren't enough.

• Women’s game continues breaking ceilings: Bonmatí’s hat-trick of wins in as many years puts her among legends. Her consistency, leadership, and work rate make her a benchmark.

Top-5 (Men) Quick Comparison Table

FAQs

Q: Who won the Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025?
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) won the award. (Reuters)

Q: Who are the top-5 in the men’s Ballon d’Or 2025?

1. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
3. Vitinha (PSG)
4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
5. Raphinha (Barcelona) (SI)

Q: What other major titles and trophies were awarded?

• Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)
• Kopa Trophy (men U-21): Lamine Yamal
• Yashin Trophy (men GK): Gianluigi Donnarumma
• Men’s Club of the Year: PSG
• Women’s Club of the Year: Arsenal (CBSSports.com)

Q: Why was Dembele’s win significant over stars like Yamal or Salah?
Because beyond scoring, he delivered in decisive moments—especially in Champions League knockout matches—and helped carry PSG to multiple trophies. Also, his narrative of reinvention and stability resonated with voters. (CBSSports.com)

Final Thoughts

Ballon d’Or 2025 will be remembered for a breakthrough first‐win (Dembele), a third consecutive title (Bonmatí), and an affirmation that football’s future is now—young, dynamic, and unafraid. For fans of La Liga and Premier League, the results reflect both respect for tradition and willingness to reward daring. The bar has been raised.