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The 2025 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris, France, turned into a night of pure celebration for the world’s top football talent. Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati walked away with the top honors, each adding a major milestone to their careers.
The event also highlighted standout young players, coaches, goalkeepers, and top scorers. Special mentions went to the best clubs in both men’s and women’s football.
Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmati Shine
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Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) took home the men’s Ballon d’Or after helping his team become the first French side to win a continental treble last season. His performance just edged out Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmati from Barcelona won the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third straight year, surpassing her teammate Mariona Caldentey. That’s some serious consistency at the top.
Dembele’s Journey to the Top
Dembele has really evolved as a player. At PSG, he’s leaned into teamwork and tapped into his scoring ability.
He played a huge part in PSG’s success, especially during those tense matches against Liverpool in the Champions League. You could see his impact every time he stepped onto the pitch.
Bonmati’s Consistent Excellence
Bonmati’s third win in a row just cements her dominance in women’s football. Her skills and steady performances have carried Barcelona through tough moments.
She knows how to lead and inspire her teammates. It’s no wonder she stands out in the sport.
Recognition for Emerging Talent
The awards didn’t forget the rising stars. Lopez and Yamal grabbed attention as the best young players this year.
These two have shown real promise, and honestly, it’ll be exciting to watch their careers unfold.
Young Players Making Waves
Lopez and Yamal have already made their mark with some impressive performances. Their recognition at the Ballon d’Or just shows how important it is to nurture young talent.
Top Coaches and Goalkeepers
Sarina Wiegman and Luis Enrique picked up the best coach awards. Wiegman’s known for her sharp strategies in women’s football.
Enrique, managing PSG, has pushed the team to work together more closely. It’s a shift that’s paid off big time.
Wiegman and Enrique’s Strategic Mastery
Wiegman’s leadership has driven her team’s success. Enrique’s vision has transformed PSG into a real unit.
Both have made huge contributions to the sport, and it’s great to see them get the recognition they deserve.
Outstanding Goalkeepers
Mary Earps and Gianluigi Donnarumma were honored as the top goalkeepers. Their reflexes and presence in goal have been crucial for their teams.
Having a reliable last line of defense really can make all the difference.
Top Scorers and Club Achievements
Ewa Pajor and Viktor Gyokeres were celebrated as the season’s top scorers. Pajor shone for Barcelona, while Gyokeres made a big impact at Sporting.
Both players seemed unstoppable in front of goal. Their consistency made them obvious choices for the Gerd Muller award.
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Club of the Year Awards
PSG and Arsenal picked up the best men’s and women’s club honors. PSG’s focus on team chemistry has clearly paid off.
On the women’s side, Arsenal’s Champions League win showed their resilience and skill. It’s a big deal for the club.
PSG’s Strategic Shift
PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi talked about the club’s move from chasing big names to building a real team. That strategy led straight to their continental treble.
Arsenal Women’s Triumph
Arsenal Women’s manager Renee Slegers gave a heartfelt acceptance speech, urging more investment in women’s sports. Her leadership has steered Arsenal to Champions League glory.
Humanitarian Efforts and Special Recognitions
The ceremony also shone a light on humanitarian work. Sira Martinez, Patron of The Xana Foundation, was recognized for her efforts supporting children with serious illnesses.
Martinez’s work, in memory of PSG manager Luis Enrique’s daughter, shows how football can make a difference off the field.
Special Mentions
Princess Charlene of Monaco presented the humanitarian award. Past winners include Sadio Mane, Vinicius Junior, and Jennifer Hermoso.
These moments remind us that football isn’t just about trophies—it’s about giving back, too.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony brought together football’s brightest stars. It wasn’t just about the trophies—it was about celebrating teamwork and vision.
Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmati stood out among the winners, showing how much passion really matters in this sport. If you want a closer look or live updates, check out the New York Times live blog.