Paris, September 22, 2025 — At the Théâtre du Châtelet, all football stars of the world assembled to witness the Ballon d'Or 2025 ceremony, where Ousmane Dembele, after long waiting, captures his first much-awaited title while Aitana Bonmatí is the first one to win the Ballon d'Or Féminin trophy three times continuously.
Dembele Reaches the Moment that Defines His Career
Ousmane Dembele, the forward of Paris Saint-Germain, has finally hit the top of his career when he received the men's Ballon d'Or. Once regarded as a player with endless potential, his career has laden injuries in recent years. Now that has changed by his extraordinary performance during the 2024-25 season.
Dembele was really instrumental in the long-desired Champions League triumph for PSG by having countless goals and assists throughout the season. His great performance was equally represented in Ligue 1, proving to be consistent. He was ahead of wonderkid Lamine Yamal, 18 years of age from Barcelona, while PSG's next-best, Vitinha, was ranked third.
Dembele was quite emotional as he thanked through his acceptance speech: "There were times when it felt impossible, but the hard work and believe have brought me here. This Ballon d'Or is for everyone who has stood with me."
Bonmatí Creates History in the Ballon d'Awards
Aitana Bonmatí, for the women's award, made her name in football history by winning her third Ballon d'Or Féminin in a row. Even though Barcelona did not succeed in the UEFA Women's Champions League, there had been no doubts to voters because of Bonmatí's ability to take control of matches and brilliance.
The third win makes a new record and strengthens her hold as one of the most powerful players in the modern women's game.
Other Award Winners in 2025
On that night, various other awards were given for significant achievements:
- Club of the Year (Men): Paris Saint-Germain
- Best Goalkeeper (Yashin Trophy): Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
- Women's Yashin Trophy: Hannah Hampton (England)
- Kopa Trophy (Men): Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- Women's Kopa Trophy: Vicky López (Barcelona)
- Coach of the Year: Luis Enrique (PSG)
The rankings had surprises as well, with Mohamed Salah finishing just outside the top three, in fourth, and Harry Kane - who scored over 40 goals - going down the list somewhat lower than imagined.
The Bigger Picture
In other words, an individual redemption as well as growing into a European powerhouse would be denoted by Dembele's win, while the record-breaking achievement of Bonmatí would show exactly how sustained excellence defines greatness in the women's game.
What's Next?
The questions in this unfolding season, 2025-26, are whether Dembele can hold up this level of play, accelerate the rise of Yamal, and whether there is anybody to rise up against Bonmatí's reign.
Last night would definitely be remembered as 'The Night' of Ballon d'Or 2025– a night celebrating resilience, maturity and consistency at the very highest levels of football.