Dembélé Crowned 2025 Ballon d’Or Winner

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or, capping off a season in which he played a decisive role in PSG’s historic UEFA Champions League triumph.

The 28-year-old Frenchman edged Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who finished second, while PSG teammate Vitinha came third in the prestigious ranking.

Dembélé was instrumental in PSG’s dominant campaign, contributing 35 goals and 16 assists across all competitions as the club secured a continental treble — the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the French Cup.

His standout performances in Europe, particularly during the knockout stages, proved vital in ending PSG’s long wait for European glory.

In his emotional acceptance speech, Dembélé expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans, while dedicating the award to his family, especially his mother.

The ceremony also honoured other stars:
Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona retained the Women’s Ballon d’Or, making it her third consecutive win.

Lamine Yamal received the Kopa Trophy for best young player.

PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres earned the Gerd Müller Trophy as top scorer.

Dembélé’s victory makes him the first Frenchman since Karim Benzema in 2022 to claim the award, solidifying his status as one of world football’s elite players and affirming PSG’s rise as a European powerhouse.