Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmati were named the best players in the world at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, capping off a glittering year for both stars.
Dembele, enjoying the finest season of his career at PSG, lifted the men’s award ahead of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Vitinha.
The 28-year-old becomes the sixth Frenchman to win the Ballon d’Or, joining legends Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema.
It was a triumph built on leadership after Kylian Mbappe’s exit, with Dembele guiding PSG to silverware at home and abroad.
Bonmati, meanwhile, underlined her status as the game’s outstanding midfielder by claiming the women’s Ballon d’Or.
The Barcelona star finished ahead of Mariona Caldentey and England striker Alessia Russo, adding another accolade to her collection after another season of dominance with club and country.
Elsewhere, PSG were named Men’s Club of the Year, while Arsenal took home the Women’s Club of the Year honour. Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal collected the Kopa Trophy for best U21 men’s player, with Vicky Lopez of Barcelona feminine taking the women’s equivalent.
Viktor Gyokeres and Ewa Pajor claimed the Gerd Muller Awards as top scorers, while Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hannah Hampton were crowned best goalkeepers with the Yachine Trophy.
PSG boss Luis Enrique capped the night by winning the Johan Cruyff Award for best coach, recognition of his rebuilding work after Mbappe’s departure.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or gala highlighted a new generation rising alongside established stars, with Dembele and Bonmati embodying the blend of talent, consistency and influence that defines football’s highest honour.
