PSG dominate Ballon d’Or night as Dembélé crowned king of football
Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati (left) and PSG's Ousmane Dembele who won the Ballon d’Or in a September 22, 2025 event. Photo/Agencies
When Ousmane Dembele was crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner in Paris, applause and emotion filled the Théâtre du Châtelet.
His family, teammates, and fans reacted with tears, standing ovations, and heartfelt congratulations.
Lamine Yamal, who finished second, was among the first to come forward, embracing Dembele in a gesture of respect.
On stage, Dembele, visibly moved, said: “What I have just experienced is exceptional. I have no words for it, what happened with PSG. I feel a bit of stress, it’s not easy to win this trophy, and to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend of football, is exceptional.”
He thanked coach Luis Enrique, the PSG staff, his mother, and his teammates, calling the award a collective achievement rather than purely individual.
Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third consecutive year, underscoring her dominance in women’s football.
Gianluigi Donnarumma took home the Yashin Trophy as best men’s goalkeeper, while England’s Hannah Hampton was awarded the women’s version.
PSG was named Team of the Season, with Luis Enrique honoured as Best Coach; on the women’s side, Sarina Wiegman claimed Coach of the Year.
In the men’s Ballon d’Or ranking, Dembele beat out Spain/Barcelona teenage star Lamine Yamal, who finished second, with PSG’s Vitinha coming in third. Mohamed Salah of Liverpool placed fourth, and Raphinha of Barcelona rounded out the top five.
These big names, despite strong seasons, missed the top honour but remain among the elite.
Looking back at history, Lionel Messi remains the record holder with eight(8) Ballon d’Or wins, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with five(5).
They are the benchmark for any recipient, Dembele included, who now joins them in the legacy of all-time greats.