The Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris played host to football’s most glittering night on September 22, 2025, as France Football handed out the coveted Ballon d'Or 2025. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, and the ceremony delivered a narrative that will be talked about for years: a French winger from PSG and a Spanish midfield maestro from Barcelona each secured the top individual honors in their gender categories.
Men’s awards: Dembélé’s breakthrough and PSG’s dominance
Ousmane Dembélé, the electrifying winger who joined Paris Saint‑Germain last summer, finally saw his relentless dribbling and decisive goal‑scoring rewarded with the Ballon d’Or. His season was a masterclass in consistency – 28 league goals, 12 assists, and a key role in PSG’s Champions League run to the semi‑finals. The French star’s rise mirrors PSG’s own resurgence; the French capital club was named Men’s Club of the Year, a nod to both its domestic dominance and its expanded global footprint.
PSG’s presence was felt across the shortlist: nine of its squad members featured in the ranking. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma anchored a defense that kept 19 clean sheets, while the defensive partnership of Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes turned the flank into a launchpad for attacks. Midfielders Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha dictated tempo, and the breakout performances of Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, João Neves, and the ever‑reliable Portuguese playmaker highlighted the squad’s depth. The club’s strategic signings and a tactical overhaul under coach Luis Enrique paid off, culminating in Enrique’s own accolade – the Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy for Coach of the Year.
Enrique, a former Barcelona legend, was praised for blending PSG’s star power with a pressing, high‑intensity system that forced opponents onto the back foot. His shortlist rivals – Antonio Conte, Hansi Flick, Enzo Maresca, and Arne Slot – each brought impressive resumes, but Enrique’s ability to harmonise egos and maintain a relentless attack set him apart.
Women’s awards: Bonmatí’s back‑to‑back triumph and Arsenal’s rise
In the women’s ceremony, Barcelona’s midfield anchor Aitana Bonmatí lifted the Ballon d’Or Féminin for a second straight year. Her vision, defensive work‑rate, and knack for scoring crucial goals helped Barcelona clinch the Spanish league title and advance deep into the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Bonmatí’s stats – 9 goals, 13 assists, and a 93% pass‑completion rate – underscored why she’s become the benchmark for modern midfielders.
Arsenal, meanwhile, earned the Women’s Club of the Year award, reflecting a season where the Gunners blended youthful vigor with experienced leadership. Seven Arsenal players made the Ballon d’Or shortlist, including English defender Leah Williamson, Australian full‑back Steph Catley, and American forward Emily Fox. The English forward Chloe Kelly also shone, delivering the winning penalty in the domestic cup final, while Norway’s Frida Maanum and Italy’s Alessia Russo added flair across the midfield and attack.
Barcelona’s own teenager, Lamine Yamal, captured the Kopa Trophy for the best young player under 21. The 17‑year‑old winger’s rapid ascent – highlighted by a hat‑trick against Real Madrid in the league – signals a new generation that could dominate the sport for the next decade.
The ceremony, organized by France Football, celebrated not just individual brilliance but also the collective achievements of clubs and coaches throughout the 2024‑25 season. From Dembélé’s dazzling runs to Bonmatí’s deft orchestration, the night painted a vivid picture of football’s evolving landscape, where talent, tactics, and teamwork intertwine to produce unforgettable moments.
