Ousmane Dembélé, the electric winger of Paris Saint-Germain, seized the Ballon d’Or, forever etching his name alongside legends. With emotion trembling in his voice and tears barely held back, Dembélé accepted the golden trophy from the hands of none other than Ronaldinho. The Frenchman, only the sixth from his country to win this fabled honor—after icons like Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane, and Karim Benzema—stood radiant, the weight of a season for the ages on his shoulders.
“This is incredible. I have no words. It’s been an exceptional season with PSG, we’ve lived through unbelievable moments. To receive this trophy, and from Ronaldinho himself—it’s just spectacular. I’m so proud,” Dembélé declared, his mother watching proudly from the crowd, the emotion of his journey rippling through the Théâtre.
The men’s Ballon d’Or podium told a tale of generational change. The prodigy Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) finished second, his dazzling rise halted only by Dembélé’s brilliance, while Vitinha (PSG) claimed third, followed by Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Raphinha (Barcelona). The top ten was rounded out by Achraf Hakimi, Kylian Mbappé, Cole Palmer, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Nuno Mendes—each a star in their own right.
In the women’s Ballon d’Or, history was written anew. Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona) claimed her third consecutive Ballon d’Or, cementing her status as one of the greatest of her generation. Her poise and leadership not only brought her personal glory but powered Barcelona to a treble and Spain to another golden year. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal) and Alessia Russo (Arsenal) completed the podium, with legends like Alexia Putellas and Chloe Kelly not far behind.
The night sparkled with more than just individual brilliance. PSG, under the masterful guidance of Luis Enrique—who himself captured the Johan Cruyff Award for Best Coach—was crowned the best men’s club after a historic treble, their Champions League triumph echoing across Europe. Arsenal’s women, Champions League victors, received their own collective honor.
Among the next generation, Vicky López (Barcelona) and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) both won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player, their youthful exuberance promising more golden nights ahead.
The season’s top scorers, Ewa Pajor (Barcelona) and Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal), took home the Müller Trophy after mesmerizing campaigns. The Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper went to Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Manchester City) and Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), whose heroics kept their teams dreaming.
Yet, the night was not without its shadows. While PSG celebrated, they suffered a surprising defeat in the French classic against Olympique Marseille, a reminder that football’s drama never truly ends. The ceremony also honored the memory of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool forward whose tragic passing this summer brought a somber note to the festivities.
The Ballon d’Or, established in 1956 and awarded by France Football, remains the sport’s most coveted individual prize. Each September, as Paris glows and legends gather, new stories are written—stories of triumph, heartbreak, and dreams realized.
As the curtains fell, the world was left with new heroes, new hopes, and the eternal question: Who will rise next? For now, Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí reign supreme, their names bathed in golden light on an unforgettable Parisian night.
For more in-depth coverage and live updates, visit Balón de Oro 2025 en directo | Aitana Bonmatí, vencedora por tercer año consecutivo and Balón de Oro 2025 hoy, en directo: ganadores, votos y última hora de la gala.