France and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, edging out Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to claim football’s most prestigious individual prize.
The award was presented on Monday night at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where Dembélé was celebrated for a remarkable season that followed his move from Barcelona to PSG. Once plagued by injuries and inconsistency, the 28-year-old flourished in France, playing a key role in PSG’s Champions League triumph. He succeeds Manchester City’s Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
In the goalkeeping category, PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma received the Yachine Trophy as the world’s best goalkeeper. The Italian international, who last won the award in 2021, reclaimed the title after ending Emiliano Martínez’s two-year reign. His performances were instrumental in PSG’s European success.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony also saw Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí retain the Women’s Ballon d’Or, cementing her dominance in world football.
