aris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé was honoured with the 2025 Ballon d’Or in Paris on Monday, capping off a season that reshaped both his career and the club’s legacy. The 28-year-old French international edged out Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha to claim football’s highest individual prize, coming on the heels of the long-awaited Champions League triumph for the Parisian side.
This accolade crowns a defining year for Dembélé, who produced match-winning contributions in decisive fixtures and lifted PSG to an unprecedented treble. His late-season brilliance on Europe’s grandest stage proved decisive for voters, who rewarded his blend of creativity, finishing, and big-game influence.
A Career Milestone
The win represents a turning point for both player and club. For years, Dembélé’s dazzling skill had been overshadowed by inconsistency and injuries. In 2025, however, he delivered the sustained dominance fans had long anticipated. Already named Champions League Player of the Season, he emerged as PSG’s spark in attack, supplying the cutting edge that had so often slipped away in previous European campaigns.
The podium highlighted a generational shift as well. Barcelona’s 18-year-old sensation Yamal finished runner-up, underlining the club’s enduring ability to develop world-class stars. He also collected the Kopa Trophy for best young player. Vitinha’s third-place finish, meanwhile, reinforced PSG’s collective strength throughout their historic run.
Bonmatí Extends Her Reign
On the women’s side, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí lifted her third straight Ballon d’Or, further cementing her reputation as the game’s standout talent. Despite Barcelona falling short in Europe this year, the 26-year-old Spaniard’s consistency and all-round mastery kept her at the pinnacle of women’s football.
The evening also recognised PSG’s broader transformation. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma received the Yashin Trophy as the world’s best goalkeeper, while Barcelona’s Vicky López was awarded the Women’s Kopa Trophy.
England manager Sarina Wiegman and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton were also among those honoured, and PSG’s recognition as Club of the Season underscored the revival of French football on the global stage.
