Ballon d’Or 2025: Ousmane Dembélé Crowned World’s Best, Beats Lamine Yamal To Prestigious Prize
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Paris was the center of global football glamour on Monday night as Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé claimed the 2025 Ballon d’Or, beating off competition from Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
The ceremony, staged at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, had an extra touch of nostalgia as football legend Ronaldinho, who once dazzled for both PSG and Barcelona, personally handed Dembélé the golden ball.
The accolade caps off what has been a phenomenal year for the 28-year-old French winger, who played a central role in PSG’s domestic and European campaigns while also impressing for the French national team.
🏆 Recent Ballon d’Or Winners (Men):
2025 – Ousmane Dembélé (PSG/France)
2024 – Rodri (Manchester City/Spain)
2023 – Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina)
Dembélé succeeds Rodri, last year’s winner, who narrowly edged out Vinícius Júnior in 2024.
On the women’s side, it was yet another historic night for Spain as Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona was crowned the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or winner.
Bonmatí, who continues to dominate the women’s game with her vision, creativity, and leadership, triumphed over Arsenal duo Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo. Her victory further underlines Barcelona’s dominance in women’s football after another successful campaign in Spain and Europe.
This year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony once again celebrated not just individual brilliance but also the stories of resilience, consistency, and artistry that define the world’s best footballers.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
