Paris once again became the center of the football universe as the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony unfolded at the Théâtre du Châtelet. This 69th edition delivered both predictable moments and stunning surprises, celebrating the players, coaches, and clubs that defined the season.
In the men’s category, Ousmane Dembélé made history by winning his first Ballon d’Or. His blistering performances for Paris Saint-Germain were pivotal in their domestic dominance and, more importantly, their long-awaited first UEFA Champions League trophy. He edged out teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and midfield maestro Vitinha to secure the crown, making a powerful statement about consistency, experience, and big-game impact.
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí achieved a historic milestone by winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third consecutive year. This unprecedented hat-trick places her among the most decorated players in the award’s history and cements her status as the face of modern women’s football. Despite Barcelona’s Champions League heartbreak, her individual brilliance remained undeniable.
Beyond the headline prizes, the night also shone a light on emerging stars and specialist roles. Lamine Yamal and Vicky López captured the Kopa Trophies as the best young players, while Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hannah Hampton claimed the Yashin Trophies for goalkeeping excellence, with Hampton making history as the first ever women’s recipient. Viktor Gyökeres walked away with the Gerd Müller Trophy after finishing as Europe’s top scorer, and Ewa Pajor claimed the same accolade in the women’s category.
The coaches were also recognized. Luis Enrique, mastermind of PSG’s spectacular campaign, took home the men’s coach award, while Sarina Wiegman added yet another trophy to her already glittering career as the women’s coach of the year. PSG and Arsenal earned the men’s and women’s club of the year titles respectively, underlining the depth of their achievements across competitions.
The 2025 edition of the Ballon d’Or stood out not just for the winners but also for what it symbolized. It marked another step toward gender parity in football awards, celebrated a new generation of stars, and reminded fans that team success and individual brilliance still go hand in hand. In one night, football’s past, present, and future were all on display in Paris.
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