The global football community turned its eyes to Paris on September 22, 2025. Indeed, the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet hosted the 69th Ballon d'Or ceremony. This year's award, presented by France Football, celebrated the best players of the 2024-25 season. Ultimately, it was a night of triumph and surprise. Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain emerged as the top player in men's football, capping an extraordinary season.
Ousmane Dembélé Crowned: A Season of Unmatched Triumph
Ousmane Dembélé's victory was a testament to a phenomenal season. The French winger was the driving force behind Paris Saint-Germain's historic quadruple. Most importantly, he played a pivotal role in securing their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. His individual brilliance was undeniable. For instance, Dembélé found the back of the net 35 times during PSG's incredible campaign. This stunning performance clearly convinced the voters, placing him at the pinnacle of world football.
The New Generation: Lamine Yamal's Phenomenal Rise
While Dembélé took the top honour, the night also belonged to a rising superstar. Lamine Yamal of Barcelona secured a remarkable second place. At just 18 years old, he dazzled the world with his skill and maturity. Furthermore, his statistics were simply staggering for a teenager. Yamal scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists across all competitions. He was also a key player in Spain's Euro 2024 success. Consequently, his performance earned him the Kopa Trophy for the best men's player under 21, signalling a very bright future.
Ballon d'Or 2025: The Official Top 10 Ranking
The race for the top spot was incredibly competitive. The final ranking reflects a season filled with brilliant individual performances across Europe's top leagues. Here is the official top 10 list from the Paris ceremony:
- 1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- 3. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- 5. Raphinha (Barcelona)
- 6. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 7. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
- 8. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
- 9. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain/Manchester City)
- 10. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
The list certainly showcases PSG's dominant season, with five players making the top ten. For more on the seasons of top contenders, you can visit the Official Liverpool F.C. Website for Mohamed Salah's stats or the Official Real Madrid C.F. Website for updates on Kylian Mbappé.
Beyond the Top Prize: Honouring Football's Elite
The Ballon d'Or ceremony celebrated excellence across the entire sport. In addition, several other major awards were presented to deserving winners.
Bonmatí's Historic Hat-trick
In the women's game, Aitana Bonmatí continued her reign. The Barcelona and Spain midfielder won the Ballon d'Or Féminin for an incredible third consecutive time. Her leadership was crucial as she reached the finals of both the Euros and the Champions League.
Recognizing Excellence in Every Position
- Yashin Trophy: Gianluigi Donnarumma was named the best men's goalkeeper.
- Gerd Müller Award: Viktor Gyökeres and Ewa Pajor shared the award for top scorer.
- Men's Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain received this honour after their quadruple-winning season. You can read more about their journey on the Official Paris Saint-Germain Club Blog.
- Johan Cruyff Trophy: PSG's Luis Enrique was awarded Men's Coach of the Year.
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A Night to Remember
The 2025 Ballon d'Or will be remembered for Ousmane Dembélé's sensational victory and PSG's dominance. However, it also marked the spectacular arrival of Lamine Yamal on the world's biggest stage. With Aitana Bonmatí's continued supremacy in the women's game, the ceremony perfectly captured a dynamic and shifting football landscape. As one season closes, the performances in Paris have certainly set a high bar for the year to come.
