A glittering night at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris crowned football’s finest during the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as fans, legends, and rising stars gathered to honor the most outstanding performers in world football.
Ousmane Dembélé, once plagued by injuries, lifted the Men’s Ballon d’Or after a stunning season with PSG, while Aitana Bonmatí made history by securing her third consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or, solidifying her legacy as one of the all-time greats.
People from all over the globe could try their luck betting on who will get the awards, on platforms like the 1xBet app, adding another layer of anticipation to football’s most prestigious night.
The ceremony represented stories of resilience, transformation, and leadership that defined the 2024–2025 season.
From Injury-Prone to World’s Best
A few years ago, Ousmane Dembélé’s future seemed uncertain due to recurring injuries and inconsistency.
Under Luis Enrique’s guidance at PSG, he evolved into a complete attacker who blended creativity with ruthless efficiency.
His transformation saw him move from a pure winger to a central figure in PSG’s offensive strategy.
The change brought stability and consistency, making him not only a scorer but also a leader both on and off the pitch.
Dembélé’s renewed focus, combined with Enrique’s tactical vision, produced one of the most remarkable comebacks in modern football.
2024–2025 Season Achievements
A historic campaign cemented Dembélé’s status as the best in the world. PSG captured an unprecedented treble, winning their first-ever Champions League, along with Ligue 1, French Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
Key Stats:
- 35 goals in all competitions
- 21 goals in Ligue 1
- 8 goals and 6 assists in the Champions League
His influence in clutch moments, including crucial Champions League knockout goals, defined PSG’s march to glory.
Fans and pundits alike hailed him as the heartbeat of a revitalized team.
Ballon d’Or Ceremony Moments
Emotions filled the Parisian theater as Dembélé accepted the golden trophy.
He paid heartfelt tribute to his mother, teammates, and coaches, acknowledging the journey that took him from injuries to immortality.
Ronaldinho, one of his idols, presented him the award, drawing loud applause.
French national coach Didier Deschamps praised Dembélé for embodying discipline, perseverance, and pure footballing talent.
Other PSG Honors
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PSG’s dominance reflected across multiple honors:
- Luis Enrique: Men’s Coach of the Year (Johan Cruyff Trophy)
- PSG: Named Team of the Season
- Gianluigi Donnarumma: Winner of the Yashin Trophy for Best Goalkeeper
Such collective success reinforced PSG’s stature as Europe’s new powerhouse, fueled by leadership, chemistry, and tactical innovation.
Aitana Bonmatí
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Aitana Bonmatí reached a level no player before her had achieved.
Winning the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third straight year (2023, 2024, 2025) placed her among football’s immortals.
Her consistency in performance and unbreakable mentality underlined her greatness.
Despite physical and emotional challenges throughout the year, Bonmatí maintained the creative rhythm that drives both Barcelona and Spain’s midfield.
2024–2025 Highlights
Barcelona’s success owed much to Bonmatí’s presence.
She guided the club to a domestic treble and reached the Champions League Final, where Arsenal edged out a narrow victory.
Her technical precision and leadership earned her the UEFA Women’s Champions League Player of the Season award.
Stats:
- 12 league goals and 6 assists
- 9 goal contributions in the Champions League
Each performance reflected her influence, dictating tempo, controlling possession, and leading with vision.
International Brilliance
Adversity could not slow her down.
Recovering from viral meningitis before Euro 2025, she returned in time to help Spain reach their first-ever European Championship Final.
Her decisive strike against Germany in the semifinals remains one of the tournament’s defining moments.
Despite losing to England on penalties, Bonmatí’s influence on and off the pitch inspired her teammates to reach new heights.
Legacy and Reflections
In her acceptance speech, Bonmatí emphasized her responsibility as a role model for young girls worldwide.
She thanked Barcelona, her coaches, and mentors like Andrés Iniesta and Xavi, acknowledging how their philosophies shaped her playing style.
Her message, “we are more than footballers”, resonated deeply, symbolizing the evolving role of women in global sport.
Top 10 Women’s Ballon d’Or Rankings
- Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)
- Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)
- Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
- Alexia Putellas
- Chloe Kelly
- Patri Guijarro
- Leah Williamson
- Ewa Pajor
- Lucy Bronze
- Hannah Hampton
Youth and Coaching Recognitions
Football’s new generation and coaching masterminds received their share of the spotlight at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, highlighting the constant renewal of the sport.
Amidst a night celebrating experience and achievement, young stars and tactical innovators demonstrated that football’s evolution continues to thrive at every level.
Kopa Trophies (Best U21 Players)
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In the men’s category, Lamine Yamal of Barcelona once again stole the show, winning the prestigious Kopa Trophy for the second consecutive year.
At just 18 years old, Yamal already plays with the maturity of a seasoned professional.
His dazzling performances in both La Liga and the Champions League have made him one of the most exciting prospects in world football.
Known for his fearless dribbling, precise passing, and decisive finishing, Yamal’s influence in Barcelona’s attacking system continues to grow.
In the women’s division, Vicky López, another Barcelona prodigy, claimed her first Kopa Trophy at the age of 18.
Her technical vision and creative spark have made her one of the most promising midfielders of her generation. López demonstrated exceptional composure and intelligence in key matches, dictating tempo and providing crucial assists for both club and country.
Coaches and analysts praised her versatility, able to play as a deep-lying playmaker or advanced creator depending on the tactical setup.
Her recognition at such a young age reflected the growing strength of Barcelona’s academy, which continues to produce world-class talents for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Coach of the Year
Coaching excellence took center stage as well, honoring those who shaped their teams’ destiny through vision, leadership, and tactical intelligence.
In the men’s category, Luis Enrique received the Coach of the Year award after leading Paris Saint-Germain to their first-ever Champions League triumph.
His tactical system, which emphasized controlled possession, pressing intensity, and attacking versatility, transformed PSG into a cohesive unit capable of handling Europe’s toughest opponents.
Enrique’s ability to revitalize Ousmane Dembélé’s career and extract consistent performances from stars like Mbappé, Vitinha, and Donnarumma proved his unmatched adaptability.
Under his management, PSG not only conquered Europe but also restored a sense of balance and harmony within a once-fragmented dressing room.
In women’s football, Sarina Wiegman, manager of England’s Lionesses, once again demonstrated her mastery of leadership and preparation.
Her guidance led England to victory in Euro 2025, a triumph that further solidified her legacy as one of the most successful managers in modern football.
Wiegman’s tactical approach combined structured discipline with creative freedom, allowing players such as Alessia Russo and Lauren James to shine on the biggest stage.
Closing Remarks
A year defined by perseverance and transformation reached its peak at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Dembélé’s extraordinary comeback embodied redemption, while Bonmatí’s dominance redefined consistency and grace.
Both players symbolized evolution in modern football, showcasing that greatness emerges through resilience and adaptation.
