By Ademuyiwa Balikis
Paris Saint-Germain forward, Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí have been crowned winners of the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards, capping off a remarkable year for both players on the global stage.
Dembele, 28, became the sixth French player to win the men’s Ballon d’Or and the first since Karim Benzema in 2022. His outstanding season with PSG, where he scored 35 goals and provided 15 assists in 53 appearances, was highlighted by helping the French champions secure their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. He finished ahead of Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, who placed second, and PSG teammate Vitinha, who came third.
Speaking after receiving the award in Paris, a tearful Dembele dedicated the honour to Paris Saint-Germain and its supporters, saying their support inspired him throughout the season.
In the women’s category, Spain and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmatí claimed the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third consecutive year, a new record streak. The 27 year old enjoyed another stellar season, leading Barcelona to a domestic treble and helping Spain reach the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final, where she scored a decisive extra-time goal in the semi-final.
Bonmatí finished ahead of her Spain teammate Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal, who was runner up, while England striker Alessia Russo, also of Arsenal, came third.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony reinforced the dominance of Spanish football in the women’s game and marked a historic breakthrough for Paris Saint-Germain on the men’s side, with Dembele’s win reflecting the club’s long awaited rise to the pinnacle of European football.
