Sarina Wiegman Wins Prestigious Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy 2025

The 2025 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony took place in Paris, France. It was a night full of celebration and recognition for the world’s top football talents.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí walked away with the prestigious awards. These wins marked huge moments in their careers.

This year’s event also put the spotlight on rising stars and standout performances across different categories. Football fans around the world had plenty to talk about afterward.

Ousmane Dembélé’s Triumph

Ousmane Dembélé had an incredible season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He played a key role in PSG’s historic continental treble, making them the first French side to pull it off.

Dembélé adapted to a new role and delivered big moments when it mattered. His win over Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal says a lot about his influence on the pitch.

Key Factors Behind Dembélé’s Success

• New Role: Dembélé took on a new position and showed just how versatile he can be.
• Goal-Scoring Prowess: He scored crucial goals, especially tap-ins, thanks to better positioning and awareness.
• Team Contribution: His all-around play was vital for PSG during their treble-winning run.

Want to dive deeper into Dembélé’s journey? Check out the New York Times live blog.

Aitana Bonmatí’s Historic Achievement

Aitana Bonmatí made history by winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin for a third straight year. The Barcelona and Spain international edged out Mariona Caldentey for the top spot.

Bonmatí’s consistent excellence and leadership on the pitch have turned her into a true star. She’s earned her place among the best female footballers out there.

Bonmatí’s Path to Glory

• Consistent Performance: Bonmatí kept her standards high all season long.
• Leadership: She led by example, both on and off the field.
• Technical Skills: Her technical ability and vision set her apart from the rest.

Recognizing Young Talent

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony also shined a light on football’s future stars. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Vicky Lopez took home the Kopa Trophy and the women’s Kopa Trophy, respectively.

These awards signal bright futures for both young players. It’s hard not to get excited about what they’ll do next.

Lamine Yamal’s Ascendancy

Lamine Yamal put on a show in last season’s Champions League. Cutting in from the right wing, he scored some jaw-dropping goals and won over plenty of fans.

At just 18, Yamal has now claimed the Kopa Trophy twice. No one else has managed that in the award’s history.

Vicky Lopez’s Breakthrough

Vicky Lopez, another Barcelona rising star, keeps making headlines in both domestic and international football. Her breakout moment came with Spain at the Euros, where they finished runners-up to England.

After winning, Lopez dedicated her award to her late mother. That heartfelt gesture made the moment even more special.

Honoring the Best Coaches and Goalkeepers

The ceremony also recognized coaches and goalkeepers who stood out last season. Sarina Wiegman (England) and Luis Enrique (Spain) were named best coaches.

Mary Earps (England) and Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy) took home the best goalkeeper honors.

Top Coaches of the Year

• Sarina Wiegman: Wiegman led the England women’s national team with real authority.
• Luis Enrique: Enrique’s tactical smarts and steady hand made a big difference for his teams.

Outstanding Goalkeepers

• Mary Earps: Earps played a huge role in England’s defensive strength.
• Gianluigi Donnarumma: Donnarumma’s reflexes and consistency kept him at the top of his game.

Club Achievements

The best clubs of the year got their moment, too. Arsenal won best women’s club, while PSG picked up the award for best men’s club.

These honors reflect the collective effort and success both clubs showed all season.

Arsenal’s Dominance in Women’s Football

Arsenal’s women’s team dominated with teamwork and skill. Their recognition as best women’s club feels well-earned and, honestly, overdue.